PENNISETUM ADVENA RUBRUM 14cm / 140mm

COMMON NAME: PURPLE FOUNTAIN GRASS, SWAMP FOXTAIL

Pot Size: 14cm / (6″) / 140mm

Pennisetum advena ‘Rubrum’, commonly known as Purple Fountain Grass, is a striking, ornamental grass that is prized for its dramatic, deep purple-red foliage and fluffy, bottlebrush-like flower spikes. It is a popular choice for gardeners looking to add texture, color, and movement to landscapes. Pennisetum advena ‘Rubrum’ typically grows to a height of 1.5m and can spread about 1m wide, making it a medium-sized ornamental grass. Its upright, arching form adds vertical interest to gardens. The leaves are narrow, long, and linear with a vibrant, deep purple to red color, especially in the warmer months. In cooler weather or in full sun, the purple hues become more intense, creating a striking contrast in the landscape.

One of the standout features of Pennisetum advena ‘Rubrum’ is its showy flower spikes, which emerge in late summer or early autumn. The fluffy, purplish-pink or reddish-brown bottlebrush-like inflorescences are the plant’s defining feature and add a soft, feathery texture to the landscape. These flower spikes can persist into the winter, giving additional seasonal interest.

Uses:

• Ornamental Landscaping: Pennisetum advena ‘Rubrum’ is widely used in ornamental landscaping for its dramatic color and texture. It works well as an accent plant, in garden beds, or as a border plant.
• Specimen Plant: Due to its striking appearance, it is often planted as a specimen or focal point in gardens where its dramatic foliage and flowers can be showcased.
• Container Gardening: It is a great choice for container gardens, where it can spill over the edges and provide height and color contrast in outdoor settings like patios, decks, or balconies.
• Mass Plantings: When planted in groups or mass plantings, Pennisetum advena ‘Rubrum’ creates a beautiful visual impact. It can be used to form low hedges, borders, or to fill spaces where you want both texture and vibrant color.
• Landscape Edging: Its upright growth habit and attractive flowers make it perfect for edging garden paths, walkways, or driveways, providing movement and visual interest.
• Wildlife Gardens: The seed heads attract birds, particularly during the winter months when they feed on the seeds.

Position: Full sun to part shade
Max Height: 1.5m
Max Width: 1m
Type: Grass, Border, Feature