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Rubrum Pennisetum - Purple Fountain Grass

1 Review
| 1 answered question
$19.98
  • Purple burgundy foliage with graceful arching habit
  • Matures to 2-3' wide by 3-4' tall
  • Hardy in USDA Zones 9 - 11
  • Plant in full sun to part shade
Pot size

Description

The Rubrum Pennisetum, also known as Purple Fountain Grass is a well known ornamental grass that makes a bold statement in container gardens and landscapes. This selection is hardy down to USDA Zone 9 but can be grown in containers and moved indoors during colder months in cooler zones. Deep purple-burgundy foliage has gracefully arching habit that will be joined by airy purple-tan plumes from Summer into Fall. When the weather change in fall/winter the foliage will dry out and turn tan-bronze. In early spring foliage can be trimmed back to allow a clean flush of new purple foliage.

Rubrum Pennisetum Care

Plant Rubrum grass in a location that will receive Full Sun. Water 2-3 times per week until established. Once established this grass is drought tolerant and should be watered 1-2 times per week if rainfall is limited. Fertilize in early spring with a slow-release granular fertilizer to help stimulate new growth

Care & Use

Getting Started: Understanding Your New Plant

Review your plant's information on our website or the tag that comes with it. Be mindful of sunlight preferences, soil type, and spacing needs.

Our plants are adaptable but grow best in the correct USDA Zones. Click here to learn more about your USDA Zone.

Planting Instructions

Dig a Hole

First, dig a hole three times the width of the root ball of your plant. This makes it easier for the root system to spread out quickly. Dig the hole deep enough that your plant will sit level with or slightly above the ground around it.

Amend Your Soil

Mix your native soil with rich gardening soil to provide extra nutrients and support plant growth. If your soil is clay-heavy, we recommend mixing your native clay soil with equal parts of Pine Bark mulch to improve drainage and the overall breathability of your soil.

Place Your Plant

Examine the roots. If they appear tightly bound, gently coax them apart; this ensures they can spread into the new soil. Place your plant in the hole so the top of the rootball is even with the surrounding soil—Backfill around it with the amended soil mixture. The roots need access to oxygen for your plant to thrive, so do not cover the rootball; place soil around it.

Mulch Your Plants

Top the soil beneath your plant with 3-4 inches of mulch to help it retain moisture. Be careful not to cover the rootball - your new plants roots need access to oxygen.

Water Your Plant

Soak the plant with a hose afterward to hydrate the plant, as well as get the soil and mulch situated. Develop a regular watering schedule based on your plant's needs and local weather patterns. Remember, over watering is just as, if not more, harmful than under watering.

Spacing Recommendations

Rubrum Pennisetum Spacing

To create a solid border of Purple Fountain grass plant one every 18-24". To have space between plantings space them 3' or more.

  • Scientific Name
    Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum'
  • Hardiness Zone
    9, 10, 11
  • Sun Exposure
    Full Sun to Part Shade
  • Evergreen or Deciduous
    Semi-Evergreen
  • Features
    Disease Tolerant, Drought Tolerant, Fast Growth, Flowering, Heat Tolerant, Sun Loving
  • Feature Color
    Green, Purple
  • Uses
    Accent, Container, Groundcover, Hedge, Mass Planting, Mixed Garden Bed, Specimen
  • Water Needs
    Medium
  • Bloom Season
    Summer

Growing Zones : 9, 10, and 11

Map of USDA Zones 9-11

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Rubrum Pennisetum - Purple Fountain Grass

From $19.98

The Rubrum Pennisetum, also known as Purple Fountain Grass is a well known ornamental grass that makes a bold statement in container gardens and landscapes. This selection is hardy down to USDA Zone 9 but can be grown in containers and moved indoors during colder months in cooler zones. Deep purple-burgundy foliage has gracefully arching habit that will be joined by airy purple-tan plumes from Summer into Fall. When the weather change in fall/winter the foliage will dry out and turn tan-bronze. In early spring foliage can be trimmed back to allow a clean flush of new purple foliage.

Rubrum Pennisetum Care

Plant Rubrum grass in a location that will receive Full Sun. Water 2-3 times per week until established. Once established this grass is drought tolerant and should be watered 1-2 times per week if rainfall is limited. Fertilize in early spring with a slow-release granular fertilizer to help stimulate new growth

Pot size

  • 2.5 Quart
  • 2.4 Gallon
View product