Description
Purple Fountain Grass, often sold as Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubrum’, is an ornamental grass with arching burgundy-purple foliage and showy reddish-purple, bottlebrush-like plumes. It adds dramatic color and movement to sunny containers, mixed borders, and summer landscapes. Plants commonly reach about 2–4 feet tall and 2–3 feet wide.
Growing Purple Fountain Grass in Alabama
Provide full sun for the richest foliage color, along with soil or potting mix that drains freely. Water regularly during establishment; afterward, water deeply when the upper soil begins to dry. This grass tolerates summer heat but should not be left in soggy soil. Purple Fountain Grass is tender and is usually grown as an annual in most of Alabama; it may survive winters only in sufficiently warm, sheltered locations. Container plants can be moved to a protected, frost-free space if you want to try overwintering them. Remove tired foliage before new growth resumes.
