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Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum' (Purple fountain grass, Red fountain grass)

Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum' Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum' Photo/Illustration: Santa Rosa Gardens

(Based on 1 user review)

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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum' pen-nih-SEE-tum sah-TAY-see-um Common Name: Purple fountain grass, Red fountain grass Synonyms: P. ruppellii Genus: Pennisetum
This tropical annual produces mounds of narrow burgundy-red foliage and purple plumes to 1 foot long. It is invaluable for containers and stunning, annual foliage color in a border. It rarely sets seed.
Care: Grow in light, average, well-drained soil in full sun. Cut back previous year's foliage by early spring.
Propagation: Divide in late spring or early autumn. Sow seed in early spring at 55° to 65°F.
Height 1 ft. to 3 ft.
Spread 1 ft. to 3 ft.
Growth Habit Clumps
Growth Pace Moderate Grower
Light Full Sun Only
Moisture Medium Moisture
Maintenance Low
Tolerance Deer Tolerant
Characteristics Attracts Birds; Showy Flowers; Showy Seed Heads
Bloom Time Fall; Summer
Foliage Color Colorful/Burgundy Foliage
Flower Color Purple/ Lavender Flower; Red Flower
Uses Beds and Borders, Container, Ground Covers, Cut Flower, Dried Flower, Specimen Plant/ Focal Point, Suitable as Annual, Waterside
Style Cottage Garden, Formal Garden
Seasonal Interest Spring Interest, Summer Interest, Fall Interest
Type Grasses

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