Purple Fountain Grass Live Plant – Set of 2 Ornamental Grasses 5-8 Inch Tall

Overview

Transform your garden into a vibrant showcase with the stunning purple fountain grass live plant. Known botanically as Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubrum’ or Pennisetum x advena ‘Rubrum’, this ornamental grass is celebrated for its distinctive burgundy foliage and arching, purplish-pink flower spikes that emerge from summer through fall. Whether you’re looking for a striking focal point, a mass planting, or an elegant filler in perennial beds, this grass delivers exceptional visual appeal. It’s a fast-growing and relatively easy-to-care-for plant, making it a favorite among gardeners seeking both beauty and low maintenance. Our offering includes two well-rooted starter plants, ready to bring dynamic movement and rich color to your outdoor spaces. Embrace the beauty of these hardy perennial grass plants and enjoy their captivating presence all season long.

Key Benefits

The purple fountain grass live plant offers a multitude of benefits, making it an excellent choice for various garden designs. Its unique aesthetic and robust nature contribute to its widespread popularity.

• Vibrant Color and Texture: Enjoy the rich burgundy leaves and graceful, purplish flower spikes that add dramatic color and fine texture to any garden or container arrangement. This plant maintains its vibrant hues throughout the growing season.
• Fast Growth Rate: This ornamental grass grows quickly, providing rapid establishment and visual impact in your landscape, especially when planted in spring.
• Drought Tolerance: Once established, drought tolerant grasses like the purple fountain grass require less water, making them an eco-friendly and low-maintenance option for many climates.
• Versatile Use: Perfect as a specimen plant, in sweeping masses, as a filler in perennial beds, or in decorative urns to create beautiful contrasts with other plants like deep greens, blues, and yellows.
• Long Blooming Period: The attractive plumes remain lovely from June until the first frost, offering extended seasonal interest and movement in the breeze.
• Easy Care: This variety of ornamental grass care is straightforward, suitable for both experienced gardeners and beginners. It’s not overly picky about soil conditions and thrives with minimal intervention.
• Cold Weather Hardiness: While often grown as an annual in colder regions, it can act as a hardy perennial grass down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit, allowing for year-after-year enjoyment in suitable zones.

Plant Care & Growing Tips

Caring for your purple fountain grass live plant is relatively simple, ensuring it thrives and displays its full beauty. For optimal growth, plant in spring once the danger of frost has passed. This ornamental prefers full sunlight for at least six hours a day, which encourages the most vibrant foliage color and abundant plumes. While it can tolerate some light shade, too much shade may reduce its color intensity and overall vigor. When considering ornamental grass care, soil conditions are not a major concern, as it adapts to various soil types, though well-draining soil is always preferred to prevent root rot. Consistency in watering is crucial during its establishment period; once mature, it exhibits good drought tolerance, needing less frequent watering.

In terms of temperature, purple fountain grass is cold weather hardy down to approximately 20 degrees Fahrenheit (USDA Zone 9). In areas with milder winters, it can be grown as a hardy perennial grass, requiring a cutback in early spring to encourage new growth. In colder climates, it is typically treated as an annual. Fertilization is generally not heavily required; a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer applied in spring can support healthy growth. Watch out for overwatering in poorly drained soils, which can be its main vulnerability. Regular observation will help address any issues promptly. Proper Pennisetum setaceum Rubrum care ensures a lush, vigorous display.

Size & Details

You will receive a set of two purple fountain grass live plant starter plants, each measuring approximately 5-8 inches tall. These young plants are well-rooted and ready for transplanting into your garden or containers. They are shipped without a pot, with their roots carefully protected. When mature, these ornamental grass care plants typically grow to a height of 2 to 5 feet and spread equally wide, forming a beautiful, mounding habit. Their fast growth rate means you will see significant development within the first growing season. The graceful plumes, characteristic of Pennisetum setaceum Rubrum, emerge in early summer and persist until the first hard frost, adding continuous visual interest. Plant these grasses with adequate spacing to allow for their mature size and ensure proper air circulation.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How big will my purple fountain grass get? A: Your purple fountain grass live plant will typically grow to a mature height and width of 2 to 5 feet, creating an attractive mounding form. This size can be achieved within one growing season under ideal conditions.
• Q: How much sunlight does this ornamental grass need? A: This ornamental grass thrives in full sunlight, meaning at least 6 hours of direct sun per day. While it can tolerate some partial shade, full sun will encourage the best color and growth.
• Q: Is purple fountain grass considered a perennial or an annual? A: In USDA Zones 9 and warmer (where temperatures rarely drop below 20°F), it can be grown as a hardy perennial grass. In colder climates, it is typically grown as an annual and replanted each spring.
• Q: Is this plant difficult to care for? A: No, ornamental grass care for purple fountain grass is quite easy. It’s known for being fast-growing and adaptable to various soil conditions, making it suitable for gardeners of all experience levels.
• Q: What kind of soil does purple fountain grass prefer? A: This plant isn’t too particular about soil, but it does prefer well-draining soil. It can tolerate a range of soil types as long as they don’t remain waterlogged.
• Q: When is the best time to plant purple fountain grass? A: The best time to plant your purple fountain grass live plant is in the spring, after the last threat of frost has passed. This allows the plant ample time to establish itself before the heat of summer.
• Q: How often should I water my purple fountain grass? A: While establishing, water consistently. Once mature, it becomes more drought-tolerant, so you can reduce watering frequency. Always check the soil moisture before watering again.
• Q: Can I grow this plant in a container? A: Yes, Pennisetum setaceum Rubrum is an excellent choice for containers and decorative urns, where its burgundy foliage and plumes can create a stunning focal point. Ensure the container has good drainage.
• Q: What are some good companion plants for purple fountain grass? A: Its garnet color contrasts beautifully with plants that have deep green, blue, or yellow foliage or flowers. Consider pairing with Sedum, Salvia, or yellow Coreopsis for a striking display.
• Q: What is the benefit of using drought tolerant grasses in my landscape? A: Drought tolerant grasses like purple fountain grass require less water once established, which helps conserve water, reduces maintenance, and makes them suitable for xeriscaping or areas with water restrictions.