Pennisetum advena Rubrum

Common Name:
Purple Fountain Grass

Description:
Pennisetum advena 'Rubrum', commonly known as Purple Fountain Grass, is a striking ornamental grass loved for its deep burgundy foliage and graceful, arching form. From late spring through autumn, it produces long, feathery bottlebrush flower plumes in soft shades of pink to purplish-brown that sit above the rich foliage, swaying gently in the breeze and adding movement and texture to the garden. The foliage intensifies in colour under full sun, creating a bold contrast in mixed plantings, borders, and containers. Though not native to Australia, 'Rubrum' is well-suited to Melbourne’s climate when grown in sunny, well-drained positions. It thrives through the warmer months and is typically grown as an annual or semi-perennial in cooler regions, where it may die back in winter but can reshoot in spring in milder microclimates. This grass is perfect for mass planting, feature borders, or as a focal point in contemporary and tropical-style gardens.

Form:
*Shrub - Clumping / Grass-like / Mounding

Mature Size:
*Height: 1–1.5 metres
*Width: 1–1.2 metres

Aspect:
*Full Sun
*Part Shade

Flowering:
*Flowers in Late Spring
*Flowers in Summer
*Flowers in Autumn

Flower Colour:
*Pink
*Purple
*Brown (plume-like)

Key Attributes:
*Suitable for Pots
*Drought Tolerant
*Fast Growing
*Low Maintenance
*Seasonal Foliage Colour
*Excellent for Contrast Planting
*Ideal for Contemporary Gardens
*Suitable for Borders
*Good Cut Flower / Floral Foliage
*Wind Tolerant

Toxicity:
*Non-toxic to humans
*Non-toxic to pets

Companion Plants:
*Salvia ‘Mystic Spires’
*Verbena bonariensis
*Lomandra ‘Tanika’
*Gaura lindheimeri
*Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’