Groundcover and Vines – Tall – Purple Fountain Grass

Botanical name: pennisetum setaceum rubrum

Beginner friendly?: yes

Average size at maturity: 3 – 5 ft in height and a 2 – 4 ft spread

Bloom time: late summer/fall

Hardy zone: zones 9 and 10

Flower color: white/purple

Foliage color: purple/red

Growth rate: can reach maturity in one growing season

Pruning instructions: trim back to 5 inches above the ground in the late fall

Propagation methods: cut a stem just below a node and place in water until roots start to emerge

Landscape use: great perennial border

Light needs: 6 – 8 hours of sun a day

Special features: dramatic texture and foliage

Watering instructions: only water when the top 2 – 3 inches of soil are completely dry

Fertilizing instructions : apply a general all-purpose fertilizer once a month during growing season

Best time to plant: spring or fall

Best type of soil: sand or loam

Companion plants: lemongrass, coneflower, aster

Toxicity level: non-toxic for humans and pets

Invasive species: no