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Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubrum’ (Purple Fountain Grass)

Purple Fountain Grass, Red Fountain Grass, Tender Fountain Grass, Pennisetum advena 'Rubrum'

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Pennisetum Setaceum Rubrum, Purple Fountain Grass information, Red Fountain Grass information, Purple Fountain Grass design ideas, Red Fountain Grass design ideas
Pennisetum Setaceum Rubrum, Purple Fountain Grass information, Red Fountain Grass information, Purple Fountain Grass design ideas, Red Fountain Grass design ideas
Pennisetum, Pennisetum setaceum Rubrum, Fountain Grass

Requiring very little care and providing striking color and graceful movement in the garden or patio, Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubrum’ (Purple Fountain Grass) has become a real favorite among gardeners. How not resist the spectacular rich burgundy foliage, the exceptionally long arching crimson plumes, or the outstanding contrast of 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, 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, providing 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. It rarely sets seeds.
  • Propagate by division.

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 Poaceae
Genus Pennisetum
Common names Fountain Grass
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)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
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 Drought, Deer
Attracts Birds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Pennisetum glaucum ‘Purple Majesty’ (Ornamental Millet)
Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Hameln’ (Fountain Grass)
Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Red Head’ (Fountain Grass)
Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Burgundy Bunny’ (Fountain Grass)
Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Little Bunny’ (Fountain Grass)
Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Desert Plains’ (Fountain Grass)

Recommended Companion Plants

Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea (Purple Japanese Barberry)
Tithonia rotundifolia (Mexican Sunflower)
Helichrysum petiolare (Licorice Plant)
Salvia farinacea ‘Victoria Blue’ (Mealy Cup Sage)
Agastache ‘Blue Fortune’ (Giant Hyssop)
Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’ (Montbretia)

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A Glowing Prairie Planting Idea for Your Summer
Vibrant Summer Border: Dahlia, Zinnia, Chinese Aster
A Pretty Late Season Garden Idea with Perennials and Architectural Grasses
An Elegant Front Garden
Native Plant Alternatives to Pennisetum setaceum (Fountain Grass)
Native Plant Alternatives to Pennisetum alopecuroides (Fountain Grass)
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.
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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 Poaceae
Genus Pennisetum
Common names Fountain Grass
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)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
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 Drought, Deer
Attracts Birds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Pennisetum (Fountain Grass)
Not sure which Pennisetum (Fountain Grass) to pick?
Compare Now

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