Pennisetum x advena Rubrum

Pennisetum x advena Rubrum (Purple Fountain Grass)

Why Buy Me?

• Year round interest
• Best grouped with similar ornamental grasses for maximum effect
• Ideal for a sensory garden theme

Growing Conditions

Light:
Requires full sun for best foliage colour and flowering. Does not perform well in shade.

Soil:
Prefers well-drained, fertile soil. Tolerates a variety of soils, including sandy and loamy types, but avoid heavy, waterlogged conditions.

Exposure:
Needs a sheltered, sunny position, as it is less hardy than some other grasses. Hardy but may require winter protection in colder parts of the UK.

Drought Tolerance:
Moderately drought-tolerant once established but grows best with regular watering during dry periods.

Cultivation & Care

Planting Time:
Plant in spring after the danger of frost has passed. Can be grown as an annual or container plant in cooler areas.

Spacing:
Space plants about 60 cm (24 inches) apart. Mature size typically reaches 90–120 cm (36–48 inches) tall including flower spikes, with a spread of about 60 cm (24 inches).

Watering & Fertilisation:
Water regularly during the growing season, especially in hot weather. Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring to encourage strong growth and flowering.

Mulching & Pruning:
Mulch in spring to conserve moisture and protect roots. Cut back dead foliage to ground level in late winter or early spring before new shoots emerge.

Propagation:
Usually propagated by division in spring or grown from seed, though seed-grown plants may not be true to type.

Seasonal Interest

Spring:
New foliage emerges deep burgundy-red, forming a dense, arching clump.

Summer:
Produces tall, elegant, dark reddish-purple flower spikes (inflorescences) from mid to late summer, adding striking architectural interest. The leaves maintain their deep purple colour.

Autumn:
Foliage and flower spikes hold colour well into autumn, providing long-lasting visual impact.

Winter:
Tends to die back with the first frosts. In colder climates, it is often treated as an annual or requires lifting and overwintering indoors.

Wildlife & Garden Use

Wildlife:
Provides shelter for insects and small wildlife, though flowers are mainly ornamental and not a major nectar source.

Garden Use:
Popular for borders, containers, patio pots, and specimen planting where its striking purple foliage and flower spikes add colour and texture. Great for tropical or dramatic-themed gardens.

Companion Plants:
Pairs well with:

• Canna

• Sedum

• Agapanthus

• Ornamental peppers (Capsicum)

Combines beautifully with plants featuring bright or contrasting foliage colours.

Transform your home and garden with the Pennisetum x advena Rubrum (Purple Fountain Grass), a must-have for any season. Order online now for quick and easy shopping, or drop by your local Thompson's Branch to explore it up close and get personalised recommendations.