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 an 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. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Purple Fountain Grass is happy on low water, so once its roots are down it needs little supplementary water. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
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
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Purple Fountain Grass with other plants that enjoy the same happy on low water and tropical climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm.
Buying Purple Fountain Grass
Plant Sale lists Purple Fountain Grass as potted plants. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it lands.