Purple Fountain Grass
Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Grass
Height
48 inches
Width
36 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
9
Water
Moderate, drought-tolerant once established
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Tender Perennial / Annual
Native To
Africa, Middle East
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
The Story
Plant Bio
Fountain grass is a tender perennial, warm-season grass that forms a dense, graceful, arching clump of linear leaves. In summer, it sends up showy, feathery, bottlebrush-like flower spikes that persist into fall. 'Rubrum' is a popular cultivar prized for its rich, burgundy-purple foliage and arching, purple-pink flower plumes. It is grown as an annual in cold climates and does not typically self-seed.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds or cuttings into well-draining soil in spring.
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity during rooting.
- Water consistently until established, especially in dry periods.
- Fertilize monthly with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
- Prune back in late winter to encourage new growth.
- Divide clumps every 2-3 years in early spring for propagation.
Pro Tip
Use well-draining soil and full sun for vigorous growth and vibrant color.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water deeply during dry spells 🌱
- Prune dead foliage in late winter ❌
- Apply compost annually for nutrients 🌱
- Mulch to suppress weeds and retain moisture 🌱
Don't
- Overwater, which can cause root rot ❌
- Neglect pruning, leading to leggy growth ❌
- Plant in poorly drained soil ❌
- Use chemical pesticides excessively ❌
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Harvest | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Winter Prep |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Purple Fountain Grass questions
What zones can Purple Fountain Grass grow in?
Purple Fountain Grass is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Purple Fountain Grass deer resistant?
Yes — Purple Fountain Grass is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Purple Fountain Grass bloom?
Purple Fountain Grass typically blooms in late summer through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Purple Fountain Grass need full sun?
Purple Fountain Grass does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Purple Fountain Grass drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Purple Fountain Grass handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Pennisetum to compare
Dwarf Fountain Grass
Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Little Bunny'
Dwarf Fountain Grass
Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Hameln'
Karley Rose Fountain Grass
Pennisetum orientale 'Karley Rose'
Fountain Grass
Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Pauls Giant'
Ginger Love Fountain Grass
Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Ginger Love'
Dwarf Fountain Grass 'Piglet'
Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Piglet'
Keep exploring
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Grow Purple Fountain Grass with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
