Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum' (Purple Fountain Grass)
Purple Fountain Grass, Red Fountain Grass, Tender Fountain Grass, Pennisetum advena 'Rubrum'
Requiring very little care and providing striking color as well as graceful movement in the garden or patio, Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum' (Purple Fountain Grass) has become a real favorite among gardeners. How not to resist the spectacular rich burgundy foliage, the exceptionally long arching crimson plumes, or the outstanding contrast provided with the surrounding plants and flowers?
- Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
- Fast grower, Purple Fountain Grass typically grows in 3-5 ft. tall (90-150 cm) and 2-4 ft. wide (60-120 cm) rounded mounds. They are topped with soft and fluffy, red-burgundy flower plumes on arching stems from mid-summer until frost. Quite long - over 1 ft. (30 cm), the purplish flower spikes are succeeded by burgundy or purplish-tinged seed heads.
- Welcomed in any garden style, Purple Fountain Grass is a focal point wherever it is planted. It is versatile and can be used as a specimen plant, providing a dramatic effect in groups or en masse. It is ideal in borders where it provides texture, color, and contrast and looks impressive in containers. Efficient for softening driveways or courtyards too!
- Drought tolerant, it performs best in full sun in light, moderately fertile, well-drained soils and provides weeks of interest. Ignored by deer!
- Tender, it is mostly grown as an annual in cool climate areas. Rarely sets seeds.
- Propagate by division.
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Requirements
Hardiness | 9
– 11 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 8
– 12 |
Climate Zones | 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2 |
Plant Type | Ornamental Grasses |
Plant Family | Pennisetum - Fountain Grasses |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Summer (Mid,Late) Fall |
Height | 3' – 5' (90cm – 150cm) |
Spread | 2' – 4' (60cm – 120cm) |
Spacing | 36" – 48" (90cm – 120cm) |
Water Needs | Low, Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Plant of Merit, Showy |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought |
Attracts | Birds |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
Great Plant Combination Ideas with Pennisetum - Fountain Grasses
Botanik Foto, Shutterstock
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 9
– 11 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 8
– 12 |
Climate Zones | 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2 |
Plant Type | Ornamental Grasses |
Plant Family | Pennisetum - Fountain Grasses |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Summer (Mid,Late) Fall |
Height | 3' – 5' (90cm – 150cm) |
Spread | 2' – 4' (60cm – 120cm) |
Spacing | 36" – 48" (90cm – 120cm) |
Water Needs | Low, Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Plant of Merit, Showy |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought |
Attracts | Birds |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
Great Plant Combination Ideas with Pennisetum - Fountain Grasses