Fountain grass, Pennisetum alopecuroides, is a non-native grass used for its mounded habit and brush-like flower spikes. Stunning and unique pink "cloud-like" effect. Water. Once the threat of freezing weather and frost has passed in spring, you can set the purple fountain grass back outdoors. Since mature plants can reach about four feet tall and just as wide, they should be given plenty of room in the garden, spacing additional plants at least three to five feet apart. It may be either an annual or a perennial depending on your gardening zone. Rosy-red and fluffy, foxtail-like blooms rise above base foliage on slender stems, creating a beautiful summer display, and then fade to creamy copper in the fall. You should also cut it back in fall prior to bringing the plant indoors or in late winter/early spring for those left outdoors in suitable climates. About Purple Fountain Grass. Use all-purpose. While purple fountain grass is known as a perennial, it is actually considered a tender perennial. Jacob J. Wright became a full-time writer in 2008, with articles appearing on various websites. $14.95. Positive: On Sep 30, 2002, jkom51 from Oakland, CA (Zone 9b) wrote: In coastal northern California (U.S.), this reaches amazing height and width. It's right at home with this coneflower called Sundown, which was selected for its warm tones. There are different species of fountain grass. The plant is drought tolerant so watering sufficiently every week or two should be adequate. Purple Fountain Grass cascades into a fountain-like shape upon maturity, giving rise to its name. Although quite drought-tolerant, a grass can have reduce vigor and be stressed if water is severely lacking leading into the autumn. Early in spring, when the grass is first starting to wake up from its winter nap, the Aronia will be showing off with loads of white flower clusters which attract pollinators. Usually a perennial, it can be grown as an annual grass in cold northern areas. Cut back the dried foliage of fountain grass in very late winter after the seed heads are tattered or no longer attractive: this is one of the strongest aesthetic attributes of ornamental grasses. Retain the frost-dried foliage and seed head plumes on the grass clump across the winter. Learn which plants thrive in your Hardiness Zone with our new interactive map! East Rockaway, NY. The soil should never be soggy. Purple fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum') is an example of a plant that is in-between, height-wise, for this category. A clump-forming ornamental grass variety, it is a tropical plant.as well as a deer-resistant ornamental grass and not an in… Chinese fountain grass cultivars are hardy to USDA zone 5 (AgCan zone 6) and will grow in even colder zones with a little winter protection. Cut back the dried foliage of fountain grass in very late winter after the seed heads are tattered or no ; longer attractive: this is one of the … This is a listing of all the ornamental grass varieties we carry that are cold and heat hardy and will grow in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 7a and/or 7b, where temperatures can go down to as low as 0 degrees Fahrenheit in winter. Place a thick, loose layer of mulch around the base of the grass after the killing autumn frost. Hardy in zones 9-11, P. x advena ‘Rubrum’ is grown as an annual in most of the United States. Statuesque perennials for zone 5 6 : flowerchickcom. Sign up for our newsletter. Learn more about Monrovia plants and best practices for best possible plant performance. Botanical name. Purple fountain grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides setaceum rubrum) is a member of the family Poaceae, which includes grass. Expect to grow purple fountain grass as an annual in regions with very cold winters, as in USDA zones 1 through 7. Little bluestem is … Hardiness Zone 9-10 (4). Zone 8 can have success with clumps that have managed to reach a large size after a few milder winters, but zone 7 survival would be the exception to the rule. It would take a micoclimate or extreme condition variable to allow it to survive in zone 7. Of all the ornamental grasses, of which there are many, purple fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubrum’) is probably one of the most popular. I planted some two years ago and it came back ... Q. A 4- to 6-inch covering of oak leaves or straw can shield the dormant roots of the grass from fluctuating winter temperatures between day and night and shield it from bitter cold. Fountain grass, dwarf fountain grass pennisetum. Bare Roots . Although a marginally hardy plant, surviving winters in USDA plant hardiness zones 8 through 11, it will reseed itself and sprout back in the spring in colder regions after frost danger has passed. Plant purple fountain grass early in the growing season. Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum' - Purple Fountain Grass is not perennial to zones colder than zone 7 but they are so gorgeous that they are worth buying and planting every year! With its deep purple leaves and long, colorful flower spikes, purple fountain grass is among the loveliest of the ornamental grasses. Copyright Leaf Group Ltd. // Leaf Group Lifestyle. Buy It: 'Karley Rose' Fountain Grass… As the days go by, these plums form an arch and turn a tan color that persists into the early days of autumn. This is particularly true in areas where this grass species is marginally hardy to the winter, such as in chillier parts of Zone 7. Although it can be planted nearly anytime, spring is the most suitable time for planting. grown in a container and brought indoors for overwintering, Purple Fountain Grass In Containers - Taking Care Of Fountain Grass Indoors Over Winter, Fountain Grass Turning White: My Fountain Grass Is Bleaching Out, Christmas Topiary Ideas: Best Plants For Christmas Topiaries, Cypress Tip Moth Control: Cypress Tip Moth Signs And Treatment, Japanese Plum Yew Info – How To Grow A Plum Yew, Identifying Root Maggots And Control Of Root Maggots, Pruning Hemlock Trees – How And When To Prune Hemlocks, Tropical Gardening: Tips For Gardening In The Tropics, Spruce Trees For Landscaping - Spruce It Up With Evergreens, Western Juniper Trees: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly, Evergreens For Winter Interest: Growing Holly In Gardens, Christmas Tree Alternative: Decorating An Outdoor Tree For Birds. Royal Color You Don't See Often in Landscaping Purple Fountain Grass (Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum') is a regal addition to any landscape. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. Fountain grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides) may … This ornamental grass cannot survive cold winters and is hardy only in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 9 and warmer (though in Zones 7-8 it can sometimes reappear given adequate winter protection). Purple Fountain Grass Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum' A charming semi-evergreen ornamental grass that offers year-round color interest with its wine red, finely-textured foliage. Sun. Is purple fountain grass a perennial in zone 7. Mid-sized grass has graceful foliage and decorative plumes. Saving Purple Fountain Grass I have 6 Purple Fountain Grass plants that I would like to save over winter. Add soft texture and graceful movement to the landscape, with … Height/Spread: Upright arching habit, 2 to 4 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide. And like Miscanthus, it bears attractive seed heads. Monrovia's Purple Fountain Grass details and information. Growing Conditions: Full sun and well-drained soil. There is nothing like them! Do not plant this species in areas such as peninsular Florida and Hawaii. Oriental fountain grass (P. orientale) is just a lovely and about as hardy, with pinkish foxtail spikes. A beautiful, mounding plant, fountain grass offers a graceful shape, plus soft, feathery plumes that dance in the breeze. This plant has some cultivated varieties. Zone zone 3-4 (1) zone 5-6 (8) zone 7-8 (10) zone 9-10 (6) Perennials View all ... Purple Love Grass Short Description. Many Pennisetums are cold hardy to USDA zone 7 and above as perennials. In summer, the tall stems of Purple Fountain Grass soar above its foliage, reaching up, and tipping its foot-long matching burgundy plumes. longer attractive: this is one of the strongest aesthetic attributes of ornamental grasses. Feed. Fountain grass plant red head fountain grass red head in. Purple Fountain Grass. Therefore, it is important that this be a consideration prior to planting purple fountain grass, as the likelihood of its return each year in zones 6 or lower is slim to none. Plant as a specimen or en masse for a stunning display of color. Native to Asia and Australia, Pennisetum alopecuroides (Fountain Grass) is among the most beautiful and graceful ornamental grasses with its cascading foliage that rustles in the wind. Elegant with its vase-like shape and drooping seedheads, purple fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum and cultivars) is among the most popular of ornamental grasses for the garden and containers. Exposure: Full sun to partial shade. Purple. While purple fountain grass is known as a perennial, it is actually considered a tender perennial. Pennisetum setaceum. All types do best in a hot and sunny location, with well drained soil, with protection from strong winds. Dig a hole both deep and wide enough to accommodate the roots and then water your purple fountain grass thoroughly. Some kinds of fountain grass can be invasive in mild climates due to their prolific seeds, but some red and purple fountain grass hybrids – 'Fireworks' included – rarely set viable seeds. Height. Pennisetum setaceum is regarded as an invasive weed in many subtropical and mild-winter regions. These plants need to be placed in a sunny location with well-draining soil. Keep the plant moist, not soggy, watering it about once a month. Unlike the species, this cultivar does not reseed. Deep purple-black fruit follows in summer. ... Short Description. Moisten the soil around the fountain grass leading into autumn. Weekly during dry spells. 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