How to Grow Purple Fountain Grass
Wikimedia Commons
Purple Fountain Grass
Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum'
grassPurple fountain grass is a tender perennial ornamental grass with arching, deep burgundy-purple foliage and feathery, pinkish plumes that emerge in late summer. It creates dramatic vertical interest and movement in gardens, making it a popular choice for borders, containers, and focal points. The plant can be grown year-round in warm climates or treated as an annual in cooler regions.
When should you plant Purple Fountain Grass in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Purple Fountain Grass timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Purple Fountain Grass
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Purple Fountain Grass
Around Jul 16≈ 90 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Purple Fountain Grass dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Hardy in zones 9b-11; grown as an annual in zones 3-9a
Sign up free to see if Purple Fountain Grass grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Purple Fountain Grass timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling/Establishment
3-4 weeksTiny grass blades emerge with light green coloring; plant is delicate and low-growing
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Protect from strong winds. Provide bright light. Begin feeding with balanced fertilizer once true leaves appear.
Vegetative Growth
6-8 weeksPlant develops more blades; purple coloring begins to intensify, especially in new growth and with full sun exposure
Maintain consistent watering. Apply balanced or slightly nitrogen-rich fertilizer monthly. Ensure full sun for best color development. Thin seedlings if overcrowded.
Establishment/Clumping
4-6 weeksPlant fills out into a dense mound; foliage deepens to rich purple-burgundy color; root system strengthens
Gradually reduce fertilizer nitrogen to encourage flowering. Maintain regular watering but begin allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings. Stake if needed in windy locations.
Flowering/Plume Production
6-12 weeks (late summer through fall)Delicate, feathery flower plumes emerge above foliage in shades of pink to burgundy; plumes wave gracefully in wind
Reduce fertilizing to maintain plume quality. Continue consistent watering. Avoid deadheading if you want seeds to set. The plumes will persist for several months.
Winter Dormancy/Decline (Zones 9b-10)
3-4 months or until spring growth resumesIn cooler zones where hardy, foliage remains present but growth slows significantly; in annual cultivation, plant may decline after frost
In hardy zones, reduce watering considerably. In cold zones, cut back to 4-6 inches before winter or pull plants after hard frost. Mulch heavily in zone 9b to protect crowns.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Increase humidity by misting; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Strong water spray can dislodge mites.
-
Inspect regularly and remove by hand; treat with horticultural oil or neem oil spray if infestation is severe.
-
Use yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Remove heavily infested foliage.
-
Spray with rubbing alcohol solution or neem oil. Check undersides of foliage regularly.
Uses
Not Edible
CulinaryPurple fountain grass is not consumed as food and is not suitable for culinary purposes. It is purely ornamental. [source]
Cut Flower & Dried Arrangements
HouseholdThe feathery plumes are prized for fresh and dried floral arrangements. Plumes dry beautifully and retain their color and form for many months, making them excellent for year-round decorative displays. [source]
Landscape & Container Gardening
HouseholdPurple fountain grass serves as an outstanding focal point, specimen plant, or background element in borders and mixed gardens. Its height and movement add visual interest to patios and containers. [source]
Wildlife Habitat & Seed Source
WildlifeThe mature plumes and seeds provide food sources for birds and beneficial insects. The plant also offers cover and nesting material for small animals and birds. [source]
Dried Plant Craft Projects
CraftDried plumes can be used in wreaths, swags, botanical art projects, and crafts due to their striking color and texture retention when dried. [source]
Harvest Tips
Plumes are ornamental and harvested for arrangements in fall when they've fully emerged and are fully colored (typically September-November in northern regions). Cut plumes with 12-18 inches of stem; they dry beautifully for long-lasting arrangements. Deadhead spent flowers if you wish to encourage new plumes, or leave them on the plant for winter interest and to allow self-seeding.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Purple fountain grass is native to Africa and not to North America; it's also known as Crimson Fountain Grass or Red Fountain Grass, depending on the specific cultivar and lighting conditions.
- 🌱 The deep purple color intensifies with increased sun exposure and can vary from burgundy to nearly black depending on the cultivar, temperature, and light intensity.
- 🌱 In mild climates where it's perennial, purple fountain grass can self-seed prolifically. In some regions, it has become naturalized and is considered invasive; check local regulations before planting.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Purple Fountain Grass planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Purple Fountain Grass seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Purple Fountain Grass timeline →