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

Photo/Illustration: Jennifer Benner

(Based on 1 user review)

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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.
Problems: Rust, eye spot, leaf spots.

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posted by kelle
11/30/2008
Region: Southern California
Zone: 11

Beautiful, big, and easy to care for. It works perfectly as a "thriller" on my windy balcony. Only drawback is that the older brown leaves can look a bit messy close up.

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Photo/Illustration: Jennifer Benner

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