Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum'

Fountain Grass 'Rubrum'

Deep red to burgundy foliage with small, bristly red-purple flower spikes from mid to late summer. Pennisetum setaceum rubrum, commonly known as purple fountaingrass. It is drought-tolerant, grows fast and sports purple flower spikes. It thrives in warmer, drier areas and is an invasive species.

Contributed by @cjh123

plant Features

Full sun
Very little water
Frost Hardy: 23F (-5°C)
Light and free draining

plant information

Common name

Fountain Grass 'Rubrum'

Latin name

Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum'

type

Grass

family

Poaceae

ph

5.0 - 7.0 Acid - Neutral

Light

Full sun
Frost

Frost Hardy: 23F (-5°C)

Soil

Light and free draining
Water

Very little water

Plant & bloom calendar

Best time to plant

full grown dimensions

The size of a fully grown Fountain Grass Rubrum is 0.60meters x 1.50meters

0.60 M 1.50 M

Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum'

Planting young plants

From Mid Autumn TO Late Spring

Pennisetum are very hardy so they could be planted in the autumn, however late spring is the best time. Newly-bought plants take at least three years to clump up to a decent size and many nurseries specialising in grasses recommend planting in threes and fives. The slightest breeze will add an extra dimension to the winter garden, as well as movement, so it’s important to position all Pennisetum where they catch the light. Don’t tuck them away in deep shade.

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