How to Grow Purple Fountaingrass
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Purple Fountaingrass
Cenchrus purpureus
grassPurple fountaingrass is an ornamental perennial grass prized for its dramatic purple-tinged foliage and feathery, plume-like flower spikes that emerge in late summer. It creates a striking focal point in landscapes with its upright, fountain-like growth habit and graceful movement in the breeze. This fast-growing grass is also used as a high-quality forage crop in tropical and subtropical regions.
When should you plant Purple Fountaingrass in your zone?
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Example Purple Fountaingrass timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Purple Fountaingrass
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Purple Fountaingrass
Around Jul 16≈ 90 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9-11; can be grown as an annual in cooler zones
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Establishment
3-4 weeksYoung plants develop root systems and initial foliage shoots emerge
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide afternoon shade in extremely hot climates; establish during warm season for best results
Vegetative Growth
2-3 monthsRapid shoot and leaf development; plant becomes increasingly bushy and full with purple-tinted green foliage
Fertilize monthly with balanced fertilizer; water regularly; thin seedheads if volunteer self-seeding is undesired; prune any damaged stems
Flowering/Plume Development
1-2 monthsDistinctive feathery, bottlebrush-like flower spikes emerge above the foliage in shades of purple, pink, or red
Reduce nitrogen fertilizer to encourage blooming; continue regular watering; stake tall varieties if needed in windy locations; deadhead if preventing self-seeding
Seed Maturation
4-6 weeksFlower spikes age and dry; seeds develop within the spikelets
Reduce watering somewhat; allow plants to dry down naturally; collect seeds if desired for propagation; leave standing for ornamental interest and wildlife benefit
Dormancy/Regrowth
Variable by zoneIn cool zones, foliage dies back; in warm zones, plant remains evergreen or semi-evergreen
Cut back dead foliage in late winter to 4-6 inches in zones 9-10; remove annually for neatness; in zones 11, may cut back lightly or leave standing; mulch in cooler zones
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use miticide if severe; improve air circulation; increase humidity slightly
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Hand-pick if few; use neem oil spray; encourage natural predators like birds
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Prune affected stems; spray with horticultural oil; apply insecticidal soap
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Remove with cotton swab dipped in alcohol; spray with insecticidal soap; improve air circulation
Uses
Livestock Forage
CulinaryPurple fountaingrass is widely cultivated as a high-quality, high-yielding forage crop in tropical and subtropical regions for livestock feeding. It provides excellent nutritional value and digestibility for cattle, goats, and other grazing animals. [source]
Ornamental Landscaping
HouseholdThe dramatic purple-tinged foliage and feathery plumes make it an exceptional focal point plant for gardens, providing vertical interest, movement, and season-long color. It creates effective visual screens and windbreaks when planted in groups. [source]
Cut Flower & Dried Arrangements
CraftThe striking plumes are excellent for fresh flower arrangements and dry beautifully for long-lasting dried arrangements. They add texture and movement to floral designs and hold their color well when properly dried. [source]
Wildlife Habitat & Food Source
WildlifePurple fountaingrass provides seeds and shelter for birds and beneficial insects. Leaving standing foliage through winter offers nesting material and food sources for wildlife. [source]
Erosion Control & Soil Stabilization
HouseholdIts deep root system and fast growth make it effective for preventing soil erosion on slopes and stabilizing disturbed areas. It's used in ecological restoration projects in warm climates. [source]
Harvest Tips
Harvest mature seed heads in fall when they have dried and turned brown; cut at the base of the stem with sharp pruning shears; dry indoors and thresh to extract seeds. For cut flower arrangements, harvest plumes when fully developed but still fresh-colored by cutting stems just above the base.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Purple fountaingrass can grow up to 4-6 feet tall in a single season under ideal tropical conditions, making it one of the fastest-growing ornamental grasses.
- 🌱 The plant was formerly classified as Pennisetum purpureum and is still commonly referred to by that name in agricultural and horticultural literature.
- 🌱 In addition to its ornamental value, purple fountaingrass has been studied for biofuel potential due to its rapid growth rate and high biomass production.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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