Purple Fountain Grass

Light Needs

Part Shade to Full Sun

(3+ Hours Direct Sun)

Mature Height

3-4 Feet

Mature Spread

2-3 Feet

Growing Zones

9 to 11

Purple Fountain Grass is one of the most eye-catching ornamental grasses you can add to your garden. Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum' grows quickly to about 2 to 4 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide, with narrow burgundy blades that keep their color through the heat. The bottlebrush rose-red blooms rise in summer and continue into fall, gradually maturing to a bronzy hue that adds seasonal interest. Our garden designer often uses it when a planting needs height and dark color in one season, especially near light stone, pale walls, or golden annuals.

This warm-season grass is a tender perennial in mild climates where winter temperatures stay above about 20°F. In cooler regions, it’s grown as an annual but still delivers a full season of stunning color and texture. Unlike the green species, Purple Fountain Grass rarely sets seed, which makes it a preferred ornamental selection in many landscapes. It handles heat, urban conditions, and moderate drought once established, though steady moisture keeps the foliage fuller in containers. Use it as a specimen, in groups, on sunny slopes, in large patio pots, or as a dark-leaved backdrop for late-season flowers.

Purple Fountain Grass Care

Plant Purple Fountain Grass in full sun for the deepest foliage color and strongest plume production, though it will tolerate part sun. It grows in average, well-drained soil, including sandy, loamy, rocky, or amended clay soils. A slightly acidic to neutral soil pH is suitable.

Water deeply after planting and keep the soil moderately moist while roots establish. Once established in the ground, Purple Fountain Grass can handle short dry periods; container plants need water whenever the top couple inches of soil dry. Feed lightly with a slow-release fertilizer during the growing season, especially in pots where nutrients wash out faster. In windy sites, place it where walls, shrubs, or heavier plantings can help support the arching foliage.

Cut Purple Fountain Grass back to a few inches above the crown after frost browns the foliage, or leave it standing until early spring in mild climates. In cold regions, replace it each spring or overwinter a potted plant indoors in a cool, bright place above freezing. Divide perennial clumps in spring to midsummer while the plant is actively growing.

Purple Fountain Grass Spacing

Space Purple Fountain Grass 24 to 36 inches apart in garden beds, depending on how full you want the planting to look in one season. For containers, choose a pot at least 18 to 20 inches wide with drainage holes and enough weight to balance the tall foliage. Use fresh potting mix, water consistently through summer heat, and avoid letting the pot sit in standing water.

For a long season of color, plant Purple Fountain Grass with agastache, black-eyed Susans, and yarrow in sunny beds. Sedum works well in front, especially where the soil stays on the drier side. In containers, combine it with African daisy, calibrachoa, or sweet potato vines for a full-sun planting with strong color contrast and compatible watering needs.

Purple Fountain Grass Information

Simple Plant Spacing Calculator

Planting Shape

Rectangle Circle Known Area

Length (ft)

Width (ft)

Diameter (ft)

Or enter radius below

Radius (ft)

Known Area (sq ft)

Plant Spacing On-Center (in)

Pattern

Square (grid) Triangular (staggered)

Fill edge gaps (max plants)

Enter area to see results.

Visual Preview

Print / Save PDF

Powered by