Purple Fountain Grass (Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum'-syn. Cenchrus setaceum 'Rubrum') Plant - Grass-like Plants. The Purple Fountain Grass botanically belongs to the Poaceae family. It is a herbaceous, perennial, evergreen plant, small to medium height and fast growing. The dominant ornamental feature of Purple Fountain Grass is its reddish leaves with stunning-looking, spike-like purple inflorescences, which appear from late summer to early autumn. Purple Fountain Grass is a hardy and easy-to-grow plant that thrives in any type of neutral-reaction soil that drains very well. It is used in both gardening and landscape architecture to create, among other things, dry landscape compositions. It is highly resistant to drought and high temperatures, and is not affected by salinity and salt spray, making it suitable for planting in coastal areas.
Note:
Pennisetum setaceum is a highly invasive species and behaves as a difficult to control aggressive weed. For this reason it should not be planted outside urban areas.
► It is offered at a price determined by the particular characteristics of the plant, such as the size of the pot, its height, age and shape. Large plants are also available for sale (and planting) upon prior arrangement. In any case, the price or prices listed are indicative.
| FOLIAGE | Deciduous | |
| HEIGHT | 0.50-1.00 (up to 1.50) m | |
| DIAMETER | 0.50-1.00 (up to 1.20) m | |
| EXPOSURE | Sun | |
| MINIMUM TEMPERATURES | From -1 to -7 °C | |
| WATERING | Little | |
| SOIL | Medium | |
| SOIL pH | Neutral (6,5 - 7,5) | |
| FLOWERS |
Ornamental Inflorescences |
|
| FLOWERING SEASON | Late Summer - Early Autumn | |
| SEASIDE PLANTING | Yes |
| Plants | |
| Plants Category | Perennials |
| Plants Type | Grass-like Plants |
| Genus | Pennisetum (syn. Cenchrus) |
| Species | setaceum |
| Variety | Rubrum |
| Foliage | Deciduous |
| Leaves Color | Green, Red |
| Autumn Foliage Color | Yellow |
| Color of Flowers | Brown-Purple |
| Flowering | August-September |
| Fragance | No |
| Fruit | Brown caryopsis |
| Soil | Clay, Loam, Sand |
| pH of Soil | Range: 6.5 - 7.5. Optimum: 6.5-7 |
| Irrigation | Low |
| Thorns | No |
| Toxicity | The plant is not toxic |
| Respiratory Allergies | In sensitive people it is possible to cause allergic rhinitis (hay fever) during the flowering period. |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Plant Uses | Planters & Pots, Beds and Borders, Ground Covers, Parks & Gardens |