Purple Fountain Grass

Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum'

Pronunciation: pen-i-SEE-tum se-TAY-see-um RU-brum
SKU #06427
8-11

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A popular drought tolerant grass that forms a tidy, dense clump of purplish maroon blades topped with rose-red plumes. Beautiful as a landscape specimen or planted in groups. Unlike the species, this cultivar does not reseed. An herbaceous perennial grass in mild winter regions; provides quick annual color in any climate.
LIGHT: Full sun
WATER: Water when top 2 inches of soil is dry.
SIZE: Moderate growing; reaches 2 to 4 ft. tall, 2 to 3 ft. wide.

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This Plant's Growing Zones: 8-11

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Bloom TimeSummer through fall
Deciduous/EvergreenHerbaceous
Special FeaturesDramatic Foliage Color, Easy Care, Waterwise
Problems/SolutionsDeer Resistant, Erosion Control, Drought Tolerant
Growth RateModerate
Growth HabitClumping
Landscape UseBorder, Container
Design IdeasThis is without a doubt the most gorgeous Fountain Grass. Growing to four feet tall, its bronzed foliage is beautiful throughout the season, not just in autumn. It is indispensable for dry stream beds and a lovely fluffy accent in dry gardens. Provides wildlife habitat around water holes and ponds, and adds its billowy character to homegrown meadows. Makes a great erosion-control plant on slopes, both cut and fill. Equally at home in big Southwestern ceramic pots or classical Italian terra cotta on posts and walls, or ganged around entries, steps and gateways. Try three or four matched potted specimens spaced evenly on steps or line them against a bare, light colored stucco wall.
Flower ColorRed
Foliage ColorPurple
Companion PlantsBlack-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia); Aster (Aster); Potentilla (Potentilla); Coneflower (Echinacea); Salvia (Salvia); Shasta Daisy (Chrysanthemum)
Care InstructionsAdaptable to most soil types. Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season to establish an extensive root system. Once established, reduce frequency; tolerates moderate drought. Cut foliage back to 4 inches above the ground just before new shoots appear in late winter to early spring.
LoreWhile the species Pennisetum setaceum is considered invasive to California, selective plant breeding has resulted in attractive cultivated varieties that are seedless or do not produce viable seed, including Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum', 'Fireworks' and 'Skyrocket'. These three cultivars are non-invasive and safe for California gardening efforts.
Details
Bloom TimeSummer through fall
Deciduous/EvergreenHerbaceous
Special FeaturesDramatic Foliage Color, Easy Care, Waterwise
Problems/SolutionsDeer Resistant, Erosion Control, Drought Tolerant
Growth RateModerate
Growth HabitClumping
Style
Landscape UseBorder, Container
Design IdeasThis is without a doubt the most gorgeous Fountain Grass. Growing to four feet tall, its bronzed foliage is beautiful throughout the season, not just in autumn. It is indispensable for dry stream beds and a lovely fluffy accent in dry gardens. Provides wildlife habitat around water holes and ponds, and adds its billowy character to homegrown meadows. Makes a great erosion-control plant on slopes, both cut and fill. Equally at home in big Southwestern ceramic pots or classical Italian terra cotta on posts and walls, or ganged around entries, steps and gateways. Try three or four matched potted specimens spaced evenly on steps or line them against a bare, light colored stucco wall.
Flower ColorRed
Foliage ColorPurple
Companion PlantsBlack-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia); Aster (Aster); Potentilla (Potentilla); Coneflower (Echinacea); Salvia (Salvia); Shasta Daisy (Chrysanthemum)
Care
Care InstructionsAdaptable to most soil types. Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season to establish an extensive root system. Once established, reduce frequency; tolerates moderate drought. Cut foliage back to 4 inches above the ground just before new shoots appear in late winter to early spring.
History
LoreWhile the species Pennisetum setaceum is considered invasive to California, selective plant breeding has resulted in attractive cultivated varieties that are seedless or do not produce viable seed, including Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum', 'Fireworks' and 'Skyrocket'. These three cultivars are non-invasive and safe for California gardening efforts.

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About Us

We have been pioneers and craftsmen in the art of growing plants for nearly

100 years. Since our founding in Southern California by Harry E. Rosedale, Sr.
in 1926, we have been absolutely dedicated and obsessed with quality.

We have been pioneers and craftsmen in the art of growing plants for nearly 100 years. Since our founding in Southern California by Harry E. Rosedale, Sr. in 1926, we have been absolutely dedicated and obsessed with quality.