Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
This is an ornamental grass that rises to dizzying heights. Pennisetum ‘Vertigo’ is a tall, swaying, ornamental grass that will take your breath away. The blades of ‘Vertigo’ retain their black-purple color all season long ensuring that their color will make any container or focal point in the landscape a showstopper.
‘Vertigo’ requires water to establish the plant and occasional fertilizer. Once established it is a drought tolerant workhorse in the garden. ‘Vertigo’ is not bothered by insects and disease and deer resistant.
Graceful Grasses® Vertigo® Purple Fountain Grass Care
Plant it in a large container flanked with yellow, red or pink flowers that trail down the sides or use it in the landscape as a screen or the focal point in the garden. You can also harvest and dry the seed heads as they begin to open and use them in wreaths for the fall and winter holidays.
It is hardy from Zone 8a-11b. It is a warm season grass so if the temperatures get colder than 15 degrees F. then you can remove it then or in the spring. If growing in the perennial zones, cut it back in the fall or by mid to late spring since cold weather will cause the grass blades to turn brown. If you live in an area that is troubled by fires, you should cut it down as soon as it dries to prevent any problems.
Graceful Grasses® Vertigo® Purple Fountain Grass Spacing
This is a tall plant growing anywhere from 48-96 inches tall and 2-3 ft. wide. Space the plants out at least 24 - 36 inches, center on center. This will allow the mature plants to have enough air circulation to continue to be healthy.

Graceful Grasses® Vertigo® Purple Fountain Grass Plant Facts
Growing Conditions
- Hardiness ZonesGrowing Zones
- USDA Zones 8 to 11 (perennial); grown as an annual elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown indoors elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown in containers elsewhere (grown as a seasonal crop)
- Sun Exposure
- Full Sun (6+ Hours Direct Sun)
- Mature Height
- 4-8 Feet
- Mature Spread
- 2-3 Feet
- Growth Habit
- , Upright
- Water Needs
- Dry
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- Flower Description
- Grown for Foliage
- Foliage Color
- , Purple
- Foliage Description
- Purple/Black
- Foliage Type
- , Herbaceous
- Seasonal Interest
- , Fall Interest, 3 Season Interest
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- Graceful Grasses® Vertigo® Purple Fountain Grass
- Botanical Name
- Pennisetum purpureum 'Tift 8' USPP 22,254, Can PBRAF
- Brand
- Proven Winners
- Plant Type
- Annual
Simple Plant Spacing Calculator
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons
We stand behind our plants with industry-leading guarantees to give you peace of mind.
We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
Starting January 1, 2026 all bushes, perennials & trees purchased come with an extended 1-year warranty for added confidence. If your plant dies due to a health issue within a year, we’ll make it right.
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.
Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: AZ, AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
If you have any questions about shipping restrictions, feel free to reach out to our team!