Pennisetum setaceum Rubrum

Common Name:
Purple Fountain Grass

Description:
Pennisetum setaceum Rubrum, commonly known as Purple Fountain Grass, is a highly ornamental grass prized for its rich burgundy-purple foliage and soft, arching habit. It forms an elegant, fountain-like clump that brings movement, texture and dramatic colour contrast to garden beds, borders and feature containers. During the warmer months, it produces feathery, plume-like flower spikes in shades of red-purple to smoky burgundy that rise above the foliage and gently sway in the breeze. In Melbourne conditions, it thrives in full sun with well-drained soil and is well regarded for its heat tolerance and low water requirements once established. This variety performs strongly from spring through autumn, often dying back in colder winters before reshooting as temperatures rise. Ideal for modern landscapes, mass plantings or as a striking standalone feature.

Form:

• Shrub - Clumping / Grass-like / Mounding

Mature Size:

• Height: 0.9–1.5 m
• Width: 0.6–1.2 m

Aspect:

• Full Sun
• Part Shade

Flowering:

• Flowers in Summer
• Flowers in Autumn

Flower Colour:

• Burgundy-purple
• Red-purple
• Smoky crimson tones

Key Attributes:

• Suitable for Pots
• Bird Attracting
• Perennial
• Drought tolerant once established
• Low maintenance
• Excellent foliage contrast
• Suitable for feature planting
• Suitable for mass planting
• May self-seed in warmer climates; manage spent flower heads where weed risk is a concern

Toxicity:

• Generally considered non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses
• As with many grasses, dry blades or seed heads may cause mechanical irritation if chewed

Companion Plants:

• Salvia
• Lavender
• Echinacea
• Agastache
• Yarrow
• Verbena
• Sedum
• Kangaroo Paw