Pennisetum advena 'Rubrum'
Purple fountain grass
Also known as Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum', Pennisetum setaceum 'Atropurpureum', Pennisetum 'Rubrum'
- Height × spread
- 1.5m × 1m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Mild winter to -5C (RHS H3)
- Flowers
- Summer, Autumn
Availability
Generally available in Summer
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
A colourful grass that has dark burgundy leaves that make an upright clump that is appealing in its own right. From late summer, however, it starts to bloom with long bottlebrush brooms that arch over. The furry-looking brushes are coloured burgundy pink and are a 'must have' when in flower. This plant is unlikely to survive the winter outside except in the very warmest parts of the country and is often grown as an annual. If kept in a large container and over-wintered in a frost-free environment, it will become bigger and more effective with each year.
- Flower colour
- Brown, Pink
- Foliage colour
- Red
- Fruit colour
- Brown
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Weeping
- Height
- 1.5m
- Spread
- 1m
- Season of interest
- Summer, Autumn
- Flowers in
- Summer, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Seaside garden, Prairie garden, Gravel garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Well drained soil, Drought resistant
- Hardiness
- Mild winter to -5C (RHS H3)
- Borders & containers
- Borders and containers
- Use for
- Bird attraction
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water during drought
After three or four weeks without rain, except for drought tolerant plants, those in the ground often get stressed. Adopt the habit of deep-watering one section of the garden each day. Check plants in pots more frequently, especially in hot weather.
Encourage plants to develop good root systems by giving occasional deep watering. Some plants, such as conifers and heathers, do not show much sign of distress so water these if in doubt.
Spring - late · Planting
Divide when too large
When the plant is too large clumps may be divided into two or more pieces. Rhizomes can be cut, whilst small bulbs or offsets are detached. The new plants can be grown in a container or planted in the ground.
Winter
Winter - mid-late · Planting
Prune to the ground in winter
Cut foliage to the ground before new growth starts in spring.
Where stems are grown for ornamental value, they should be removed either before new growth starts in spring, or during winter when they begin to look ragged or untidy.
Found in
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