Purple Fountain Grass
For a hardy splash of color in the garden, purple fountain grass is hard to beat. This ornamental grass is a short-lived perennial that has purple to reddish-burgundy foliage and colorful plumes. It’s known scientifically as Pennisetum. Some types of Pennisetum can be invasive, so use only cultivars that won’t reseed. The flower plumes of purple fountain grass dry well and can be used in floral arrangements, making it a unique choice for a cutting garden.
Purple fountain grass is virtually pest-free, grows from two to five feet tall, and thrives in full sun. Propagate by division during the dormant season. Use purple fountain grass en masse, as an accent, or in containers.
UF/IFAS Publications
- Considerations for Selection and Use of Ornamental Grasses
- Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubrum’ Purple Fountain Grass