Purple Fountain Grass
Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubrum’
Description
Bold, dramatic, and effortlessly stylish—Purple Fountain Grass is a go-to ornamental for instant impact. Its rich burgundy-maroon foliage forms a graceful, arching mound, topped in summer with soft, smoky-rose plumes that sway in the breeze.
Whether planted in the ground or used as a centerpiece in containers, this fast-growing grass brings movement, color, and texture to any space—from modern patios to lush garden beds.
Care Tips
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Light: Full sun (6+ hours for best color and growth)
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Water: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established
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Soil: Well-drained soil is essential
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Maintenance: Very low; cut back in late winter or early spring if overwintered
Landscape Uses
- Perfect as a “thriller” in containers
- Adds movement to borders and mass plantings
- Great for modern and tropical-style landscapes
- Excellent for seasonal color in annual beds
Plant Details
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Mature Size: 3–5 ft tall x 2–4 ft wide
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Sun Exposure: Full Sun
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Foliage: Deep burgundy to purple-red
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Bloom Time: Summer through Frost
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Plumes: Soft, feathery, smoky-rose
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Hardiness Zones: 9–11 (annual elsewhere)
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Habit: Upright, arching clump
Garden Value
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Sterile (non-invasive)—won’t reseed
- Attracts birds
- Deer resistant
- Provides season-long color and movement
Why We Love It
If you need one plant to elevate a container or anchor a bed—this is it. Purple Fountain Grass delivers bold color, soft texture, and nonstop movement with almost no effort.
