- Full Sun (6+ Hours Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 48-96 Inches
- Mature Width 24-36 Inches
- Growing Zones 8 - 11
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 Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 8-11 |
Flower Color(s): Grown for Foliage |
Foliage Color(s) Purple |
Foliage Description: Black/Purple |
Light Exposure: Full Sun |
Height Class: Tall |
Mature Height: 48-96 Inches |
Mature Spread: 24-36 Inches |
Mature Spacing: 24-36 Inches |
Habit: Upright |
Watering: Average |
Drought Tolerant: No |
Container Role: Thriller |
Use Types: Container, Landscape |
Features: Foliage Interest, Deadheading Not Necessary |
Maintenance: Easy |
Scientific Name: Pennisetum purpureum 'Tift 8' USPP 22,254, Can PBRAF |
Common Name: Graceful Grasses® Vertigo® Purple Fountain Grass |
Other Name(s): |
Plant Type: Annual |
Brand: Proven Winners |
- SKU:
- PENVE
Container Sizes
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.
For more detailed information, please click here.
Plant Addict Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)

Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)

Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations
Plant Shipping
Time of Order:
Summer Shipping
- If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.
- We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.
It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.