A showy fountain grass with arching burgundy-purple foliage and soft furry pink-purple flower spikes that nod gracefully. Frost-tender and usually grown as a feature or container highlight.
At a glance
- Plant type: Ornamental grass
- Mature size: 1 m H × 80 cm W
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: happy on low water
- Frost: tender
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Purple Fountain Grass
Botanically, Pennisetum advena 'Rubrum' is a fast-growing ornamental grass in the Poaceae family. It reaches around 1 m tall and 80 cm wide at maturity, with deciduous and purple-toned foliage. Purple and pink flowers appear in summer and autumn.
Where to grow Purple Fountain Grass
Purple Fountain Grass suits tropical, subtropical and warm-temperate climates and grows best in full sun. It is frost tender, so protect it from hard frosts or grow it in a sheltered spot or pot.
Soil & planting
Purple Fountain Grass does best in sandy and free-draining soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Purple Fountain Grass performs well with relatively little water once established. Refresh mulch and provide a modest balanced feed at the start of spring. Check moisture below the mulch during establishment and water thoroughly when needed rather than following a rigid schedule.
Pruning & care
Prune Purple Fountain Grass after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Purple Fountain Grass in the garden
Purple Fountain Grass earns its place for a feature or specimen planting, pots and courtyard containers and cut flowers for the vase. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
Combine Purple Fountain Grass with plants that share its preference for happy on low water and tropical climate. Use an odd-numbered group where space allows, or repeat it at intervals through a longer bed.
Buying Purple Fountain Grass
Plant Sale lists Purple Fountain Grass as potted plants. Current stock is confirmed manually, so register interest above before planning around a specific size.
