PENNISETUM SETACEUM RUBRUM / PURPLE FOUNTAIN GRASS

PENNISETUM SETACEUM RUBRUM / PURPLE FOUNTAIN GRASS

Striking, Deep Purple Foliage with Elegant Plumes

Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum', commonly known as Purple Fountain Grass, is a show-stopping ornamental grass that boasts dramatic purple-hued foliage and airy, bottlebrush-like flower plumes. This striking grass provides color, texture, and movement to the landscape, making it a popular choice for garden beds, borders, and containers. It adds a unique, bold contrast to other plants with its deep burgundy foliage and soft, pinkish-purple flowers.

Why Choose Purple Fountain Grass?

• Vibrant Color: The deep purple foliage creates an eye-catching contrast in the garden, enhancing the color palette of any planting.
• Graceful Plumes: Soft, feathery flower spikes appear in late summer and fall, adding texture and movement.
• Low Maintenance: Drought-tolerant and easy to care for, this grass thrives with minimal attention once established.
• Versatile Design Element: Its elegant, arching form fits in a wide variety of garden designs, from modern to tropical.

Key Features:

• Striking Purple Foliage: The burgundy leaves provide an intense color contrast, especially when paired with green or lighter-toned plants.
• Soft, Feathery Flower Plumes: In late summer, the plant produces soft, pinkish-purple flower spikes that mature into tan-colored seed heads, adding a light, airy texture.
• Drought Tolerant: Once established, Purple Fountain Grass is quite drought-tolerant and thrives in full sun with minimal watering.
• Compact and Clumping: It maintains a tidy, clumping habit, making it suitable for smaller spaces or container gardens.

Specifications:

• Plant Size: 3–4 feet tall, 2–3 feet wide.
• Hardiness: USDA Zones 9–10 (tender perennial in colder climates; often grown as an annual in cooler regions).
• Sunlight: Prefers full sun for optimal growth and vibrant color.
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained soil, adaptable to a range of soil types.

Ideal Uses:

• Garden Focal Points: Its bold color and striking form make it a fantastic focal point in garden beds or landscape borders.
• Containers & Pots: Excellent for adding dramatic color and texture to containers, patios, or decks.
• Modern or Tropical Gardens: Ideal for modern or tropical-themed gardens, where its color and form can enhance the overall aesthetic.
• Mixed Plantings: Pairs well with perennials, annuals, and shrubs, adding contrast and movement to mixed borders.

Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum' (Purple Fountain Grass) is a stunning choice for gardeners looking to add a splash of color and dynamic texture. With its rich purple foliage and soft, airy plumes, it brings elegance and movement to a variety of garden designs, thriving with minimal maintenance and offering beauty from summer through fall.