How to Grow Red Fountain Grass
Red Fountain Grass
Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum'
grassRed fountain grass is a tender ornamental grass prized for its dramatic deep burgundy foliage and feathery red plumes that fountain gracefully outward. It creates striking visual interest in gardens and containers with its fine texture and rich color that intensifies in cooler weather. This heat-loving grass is often grown as an annual in cooler climates but can be perennial in warmer zones.
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Example Red Fountain Grass timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Red Fountain Grass
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 Red Fountain Grass
Around Jul 16≈ 90 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Red Fountain Grass dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9-11; grown as an annual in zones 8 and cooler
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Seedling
3-4 weeksFine, hair-like green or reddish seedlings emerge. Young plants are delicate with narrow leaf blades.
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light. Thin seedlings to proper spacing early. Protect from strong winds.
Vegetative Growth
6-8 weeksPlant develops dense clumps of fountain-like foliage. Burgundy coloring becomes more pronounced, especially during cooler periods. Height increases rapidly.
Water regularly and allow to dry slightly between waterings. Apply balanced fertilizer monthly. Mulch around base to retain moisture. Provide full sun for color intensity.
Flowering & Plume Development
4-6 weeks emergence, persists for monthsFeathery, elongated flower spikes emerge from the foliage canopy. Plumes are typically rose, red, or burgundy and become increasingly dramatic.
Continue regular watering. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer to encourage flowering over foliage. Plumes develop over several weeks and persist for months.
Mature/Peak Display
6-8 weeks or longerPlant reaches full ornamental potential with full-sized fountain form, deep red foliage, and prominent feathery plumes cascading outward.
Deadhead spent plumes if desired, though many gardeners leave them for winter interest. Water moderately. Can cut back in late winter before new growth.
Dormancy/Decline
Varies by climateIn cooler zones, foliage browns and dies back after first frost. In warm zones, plant may persist but growth slows in winter.
In zones 8 and cooler, treat as annual and remove after frost, or cut back to 6 inches and mulch heavily for possible regrowth. In zones 9-11, cut back in late winter and let new growth emerge.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or neem oil for severe infestations. Increase humidity.
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Remove with alcohol-dipped cotton swab or spray with insecticidal soap. Inspect regularly for early detection.
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Prune heavily infested portions; spray with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap in early stages.
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Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap or neem oil if populations persist.
Uses
Dried Flower Arrangements
CraftThe striking burgundy plumes dry exceptionally well and retain their color for months, making them ideal for dried arrangements, wreaths, and bouquets. The feathery texture adds elegance and dimension to floral designs. [source]
Ornamental Landscaping
HouseholdRed fountain grass is prized as a specimen plant or focal point in gardens, borders, and containers. Its architectural form and rich color provide year-round interest and contrast beautifully with other plants. [source]
Wildlife Habitat
WildlifeThe dense clumps provide shelter for small birds and beneficial insects. Seeds can feed birds in late season. [source]
Container Gardening
HouseholdRed fountain grass thrives in containers and hanging baskets, where its cascading growth habit is especially striking. It's ideal for patios, decks, and seasonal displays. [source]
Harvest Tips
This is an ornamental grass grown for foliage and plumes, not harvested for food. Plumes can be cut for dried flower arrangements once fully developed and hardened. Cut plumes in late summer/fall for the best color preservation. Allow plumes to dry indoors for several weeks before use. Entire stems can be cut and dried for floral arrangements.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The deep burgundy color of Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum' intensifies during cooler weather and with increased light exposure, making fall displays particularly spectacular.
- 🌱 Red fountain grass is often confused with purple fountain grass (Pennisetum 'Purple Majesty') but maintains more consistent burgundy coloring throughout the season.
- 🌱 In warmer climates, red fountain grass can self-seed prolifically; deadhead spent plumes if you want to prevent volunteer seedlings in subsequent seasons.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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