Purple fountain grass, scientifically known as Pennisetum setaceum ‘Ruburm’, is a stunning perennial ornamental grass that is a favorite among gardeners for its vibrant foliage and graceful, arching stems.
This cultivar is a popular choice for adding a pop of color to the landscape, as its leaves and flower stalks come in a rich shade of purple that can range from deep burgundy to almost black, especially during the late spring and early summer months.
This sun-loving, drought-tolerant grass is a versatile plant that can be grown in a pot on a sunny window or mass planted on slopes to create a dramatic effect in the landscape.
Its new growth in late winter and early spring is a sight to behold, as the leaves unfurl in a burst of color and texture, making it an excellent focal point in any garden.
The purple fountain grass is also known for its clusters of fuzzy, bottlebrush-like flower colors that appear in late spring, adding an extra dimension of interest to the plant.
It’s a plant that needs plenty of room to grow, as it can reach a height and spread of 3 to 5 feet, making it ideal for mass plantings or as a standalone specimen in the garden.
This grass is also a great choice for adding a touch of drama to your landscape, as its arching stems and cascading foliage create a sense of movement and flow, especially when planted in large drifts or along a border.
The purple fountain grass is a versatile and easy-to-care-for plant that can add a touch of elegance and drama to any garden, making it a must-have for any garden lover.
As a master gardener, I’ll share with you everything you need to know to plant and grow it.
Botanical Name: Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubrum’
Common Name: Purple fountain grass, red fountain grass
Family: Poaceae
Plant Type: Perennial, annual
Hardiness Zones: 9 – 10 (USDA)
Sun Exposure: Full to partial sun
Soil Type: Moist but well-drained
Soil pH: Neutral, acidic
Bloom Time: Summer, fall
Flower Color: Red, purple
Native Area: Africa, Asia
Purple Fountain Grass Plant Care
Purple fountain grass, a perennial ornamental grass, thrives best in full sun but can tolerate light shade. It prefers well-draining soil and is drought tolerant, making it suitable for sunny slopes in the landscape.
This grass is a late spring to early spring bloomer, producing purple flower stalks that form attractive clusters, adding a pop of color to your garden. I
t’s important to note that it’s sensitive to frost, so if you live in a colder climate, consider planting it in a pot that can be moved indoors to a sunny window during late winter.
The grass requires plenty of room to spread out, making it ideal for mass plantings or as a focal point in your garden.
Its red-hued foliage and new growth add texture and interest to your outdoor space, and it’s a great choice for adding a touch of color to your landscape.
Light
Purple fountain grass best in full sun. It can tolerate some shade, but its foliage and flower colors will be most vibrant when grown in a sunny location.
Whether you plant it in a pot on a sunny window or in your landscape as a focal point, ensure it receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
This grass is a true sun-lover and will reward you with stunning new growth from late spring to early spring if given plenty of light.
Soil
Purple fountain grass prefers well-draining soil, be it in a garden bed or a pot. This drought-tolerant grass prefers soil that doesn’t hold water for too long, as waterlogged conditions can lead to root rot and other issues.
Whether you’re planting it on flat ground, slopes, or in a pot, ensure the soil is loose and rich in organic matter to promote healthy new growth and vibrant foliage.
If you’re using a pot, select a sizable one to give the plant plenty of room for its roots to spread out. Finally, while this tolerant grass can withstand a bit of dryness, regular watering is still necessary, especially during the hot summer months.
Water
Being a drought-tolerant grass, the purple fountain grass requires minimal watering, making it an excellent choice for arid landscapes.
During the hot summer months, it’s beneficial to give it a deep watering once a week, ensuring the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogging.
In contrast, during the late winter and early spring, when new growth begins to emerge, watering can be reduced even further.
It’s important to note that while this grass is tolerant of dry conditions, it still requires some level of moisture to maintain its lush foliage and vibrant color.
Temperature and Humidity
Purple fountain grass thrives best in a warm climate and is quite tolerant of high temperatures, preferring full sun exposure. It’s a plant that truly appreciates the heat of early spring and late spring, all the way through to late summer.
However, it is not particularly frost tolerant, so care should be taken to protect it during late winter and early june. As for humidity, this ornamental grass is fairly drought tolerant but appreciates a moderately humid environment, especially when it’s in a pot or a sunny window.
Remember, while it can withstand some dryness, the soil around the plant should never be allowed to become bone dry. This is especially important for new growth and the overall health of the plant.
Fertilizer
As a master gardener, I have found that the purple fountain grass thrives best when it is well-fed.
A balanced slow-release fertilizer applied in early spring, just as new growth appears, can provide the necessary nutrients for vibrant foliage and abundant flower stalk clusters.
For those who prefer container gardening, a light application of fertilizer every four weeks during the growing season can keep the grass lush and healthy. Always remember to water the grass thoroughly after applying the fertilizer to prevent any potential root burn.
However, it’s crucial to avoid over-fertilization, as this can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of the beautiful purple flower colors, thus compromising the grass’s ornamental value.
Pruning
Pruning the purple fountain grass is best done in late winter or early spring, just before the new growth begins. This ensures that the plant is ready to burst forth with lush foliage in the coming season.
When pruning, be sure to cut back the stems to just a few inches above the ground. This may seem drastic, but it encourages the plant to produce fresh, healthy growth.
If your grass is grown in a pot, you can also take this opportunity to repot it, ensuring it has plenty of room to grow.
In areas where frost is a concern, be sure to wait until the danger of frost has passed before pruning, as this can help protect the plant’s roots.
The removed foliage can be used as a beautiful addition to a compost pile, adding both color and texture to the mix.
Overwintering
Purple fountain grass, known for its stunning foliage and flower colors, requires special care in late winter to survive the frost and cold of the season.
Before the onset of early spring, trim the grass back to its pot or in the landscape. Keep it in a sunny window or any spot with plenty of room, allowing new growth to emerge.
Once the threat of frost has passed, the grass can be moved outdoors to a full sun location with well-draining soil. This process ensures that the plant remains a beautiful perennial feature in your garden or landscape for the coming year.
Types of Purple Fountain Grass
- Pennisetum setaceum ‘Fireworks’: This cultivar of purple fountain grass is a stunning perennial that adds a burst of color to any landscape. ‘Fireworks’ is a late spring bloomer, with its flower stalks emerging in June, showcasing vibrant pink and green variegated foliage.
- Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Burgundy Bunny’: ‘Burgundy Bunny’ is a dwarf variety of purple fountain grass, perfect for smaller landscapes or even a pot on a sunny window. It’s a tolerant grass, able to withstand drought and frost, and its deep purple leaves add a rich texture to the garden.
- Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Little Bunny’: For those with limited space, ‘Little Bunny’ is an excellent choice. This ornamental grass is a dwarf variety, with a mature height of just 12-16 inches. Its fluffy, white flower clusters and new growth add a soft, ethereal touch to the garden.
How to Plant Purple Fountain Grass From Seed
Step 1: Preparing the Pot
Select a large pot with plenty of room for the plant’s roots to spread. Ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. Fill the pot with well-draining soil, ideally a mix of potting soil and perlite to promote healthy root growth.
Step 2: Planting the Seeds
Plant the purple fountain grass seeds in the pot, covering them with a thin layer of soil. Water the soil thoroughly but gently, ensuring it is evenly moist but not waterlogged.
Step 3: Placement
Place the pot in a sunny location, such as a sunny window or outdoors in a spot that receives full sun. While purple fountain grass can tolerate some shade, it thrives in full sun conditions.
Step 4: Germination
The seeds should germinate within 2-3 weeks. During this time, ensure the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. Once the seeds sprout, new growth will emerge from the soil.
Step 5: Transplanting
Once the new growth has developed several leaves and stems, the young purple fountain grass plants can be transplanted into your landscape. Choose a location that receives full sun, ideally with well-draining soil.
Consider the plant’s mature size and ensure it has plenty of room to grow, especially if you’re planting multiple specimens for mass plantings or to create a focal point in your landscape.
How to Propagate Purple Fountain Grass
Step 1: Choose the Right Time
The best time to propagate purple fountain grass is in late winter or early spring, just before the new growth starts to appear.
Step 2: Select the Right Plant
Choose a healthy, mature purple fountain grass plant with plenty of room to grow. Look for a plant with strong stems, vibrant foliage, and no signs of disease or pest infestation.
Step 3: Prepare the Pot
Fill a pot with well-draining soil, such as a mix of potting soil and perlite. Make sure the pot has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
Step 4: Divide the Plant
Carefully remove the purple fountain grass plant from the ground, taking care not to damage the roots. Use a sharp knife or garden shears to divide the plant into smaller sections, each with its own roots and stems.
Step 5: Plant the Divisions
Plant each division in the prepared pot, burying the roots in the soil and gently firming the soil around the base of the plant. Water the divisions thoroughly to settle the soil and provide moisture to the roots.
Step 6: Provide the Right Conditions
Place the potted divisions in a sunny window or another location with plenty of sunlight. Purple fountain grass is tolerant of a wide range of conditions, but it prefers full sun and well-draining soil. Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged, and protect the divisions from frost.
How to Pot or Repot Purple Fountain Grass
Step 1: Select the Right Pot and Soil
Purple fountain grass looks stunning and it can easily be used as a focal point in a mixed bed or container garden. It’s also great as a border or privacy screen.
The first step in potting or repotting a purple fountain grass is to select a pot that provides plenty of room for the plant’s vigorous growth.
A large, sturdy pot with good drainage is essential, as purple fountain grass does not tolerate waterlogged soil.
Fill the pot with well-draining soil, preferably a mix of regular potting soil and sand to ensure good drainage and provide a nutrient-rich base for the plant.
Step 2: Prepare the Grass
In late winter or early spring, before new growth begins, it is the ideal time to pot or repot your purple fountain grass .
Carefully remove the plant from its current pot, taking care not to damage the roots or the delicate new growth.
If the plant is a perennial cultivar, you may need to trim back any frost-damaged foliage or dead flower stalks, leaving just a few inches of the stems and leaves.
Step 3: Plant the Grass
Place the purple fountain grass in the center of the pot, ensuring that the crown of the plant (where the stems meet the roots) is level with the soil surface.
Fill in around the plant with more soil, gently firming it down to eliminate air pockets. Water the newly potted grass thoroughly, allowing the water to drain freely from the bottom of the pot.
Step 4: Care for the Newly Potted Grass
After potting, place the purple fountain grass in a sunny window or another location that receives full sun. If you are planting it outdoors, ensure it is in a spot with plenty of sunlight.
Once the danger of frost has passed in late spring or early summer, the pot can be moved to its permanent location in the landscape.
Common Pests and Plant Diseases for Purple Fountain Grass
Aphids
Aphids are a common pest that can affect the new growth and flower colors of your purple fountain grass. These small, soft-bodied insects feed on the sap of the plant, often clustering on the stems and under the leaves.
Regular inspection of your plants and a strong blast of water can help control aphid infestations.
Ladybugs are natural predators of aphids and can be introduced to your landscape to help keep their population in check.
Fungal Diseases
Fungal diseases can also pose a threat to your purple fountain grass, particularly in areas with high humidity or if the plants are overwatered.
These diseases can cause discolorations and damage to the foliage and may even lead to the death of the plant if left untreated.
Ensure your plants are in well-draining soil and avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal infections. There are also fungicidal treatments available that can help manage these diseases.
Scale Insects
Scale insects are another potential pest for your ornamental grasses. These small, immobile pests attach themselves to the leaves and stems of the plant, where they feed on the sap.
Heavy infestations can lead to yellowing and wilting of the foliage. Scale insects also excrete a sticky substance called honeydew, which can lead to the growth of sooty mold.
Tolerant grass cultivars are available, but if you notice a scale infestation, you should consider removing and disposing of heavily infested plants to prevent the spread of the pests.
Common Plant Problems and Solutions for Purple Fountain Grass
Brown Tips on Foliage
One common issue with the purple fountain grass, a popular perennial ornamental grasses, is the development of brown tips on its foliage. This is often due to a lack of water, as this cultivar is tolerant to drought, but still requires regular watering.
Ensure your plant is receiving enough water, especially during the hot summer months or if it’s grown in a pot. A well-draining soil is crucial to prevent waterlogging, which can also cause brown tips.
Yellowing Leaves
If you notice yellowing leaves on your purple fountain grass, it could be a sign of overexposure to full sun. While this grass thrives in sunny conditions, it can suffer if the sun is too intense.
If your plant is in a pot, consider moving it to a location with some afternoon shade. In the landscape, you can also plant it on slopes where it can get some relief from the hot afternoon sun.
Lack of New Growth in Late Spring
In late spring, you should see new growth emerging from the base of the plant. If this is not happening, it could be due to frost damage from the late winter months.
While this grass is generally frost-tolerant, extreme cold can still cause damage. If this happens, simply cut back the damaged foliage and the plant should produce new growth.
Faded Flower Colors
The flower stalk of the purple fountain grass, which appears in late spring and lasts through June, is known for its vibrant purple color. However, this color can fade if the plant is not getting enough sun.
Ensure your grass is in a location with full sun to maintain the rich flower colors. If grown in a pot, you can move it to a sunny window to ensure it gets plenty of light.
Overcrowding in Mass Plantings
While the purple fountain grass looks stunning in mass plantings, it’s important to give each plant plenty of room to grow. Overcrowding can lead to competition for resources and a decline in overall health.
When planting, ensure each grass has enough space to spread out and show off its beautiful texture and clusters of flower.
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