Purple Fountain Grass

Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum'

Poaceae (Grass Family)

Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubrum:’  Purple Fountain Grass

Location on campus (changes each year), but usually in the "triangle" flower beds toward the east side of Carrington Hall, or on the west side of Carrington, or in the large raised beds on the north Plaster Student Union lawn, or alongside the walks into the east side of Strong Hall.

·         warm-season grass hardy only to Zone 8, so grown as an annual here

·         deep purple-maroon, medium-width (1/4 to ½ “ wide) leaves that grow 2-5’ tall on arching stems

·         inflorescence is a bushy spike, 1” wide and 4-10” long, that emerges purplish, but fades to tan

·         likes full sun (for best maroon-purple color and flowering); prefers moist, well-drained soils, but tolerates drier soils well

·         need to dig clumps to overwinter away from freezing temperatures, or else clump will die

    o   can dig & place in dry, garage or basement

    o   begin watering & divide in early spring

    o   set out divisions after danger of frost

·         very attractive ornamental grass and accent plant, but just not perennial here outdoors