Purple Fountain Grass

Light Needs

Partial Shade to Full Sun

(At Least 3 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

3-4 Feet

Mature Spread

2-3 Feet

Growing Zones

9 to 11

Purple Fountain Grass (Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubrum’) is one of the most eye-catching ornamental grasses you can add to your garden. Its graceful, arching maroon-red foliage and soft, bottlebrush-like plumes create movement, texture, and bold color from spring through late fall. Whether planted in the landscape or grown in decorative containers, this grass provides a dramatic focal point and blends beautifully with flowering perennials and shrubs.

In late summer, airy purple flower spikes rise above the foliage, gradually maturing to a bronzy hue that adds seasonal interest. Unlike many grasses, Purple Fountain Grass does not reseed aggressively, making it a reliable, low-maintenance choice for home gardens. In warmer climates (zones 9–11), it behaves as a tender perennial, returning year after year. In cooler regions, it’s grown as an annual but still delivers a full season of stunning color and texture.

Purple Fountain Grass Care

Plant in full sun and well-drained soil for best performance. Once established, this grass is drought tolerant and requires very little upkeep. In mild climates where it acts as a perennial, cut plants back in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh new growth.

Purple Fountain Grass Growth & Spacing

Purple Fountain Grass typically grows 3–5 feet tall and 2–4 feet wide, forming a striking clump. For mass plantings, space plants 3–4 feet apart on center. It also works beautifully in mixed borders, as an accent in large containers, or as a backdrop for smaller flowering plants.

Why Grow Purple Fountain Grass?

• Bold color – maroon foliage and purple plumes stand out in any garden.

• Low maintenance – drought tolerant and non-invasive.

• Versatile – ideal for containers, borders, or mass plantings.

• Season-long interest – dramatic texture from spring through frost.

If you’re looking for an ornamental grass that combines elegance, resilience, and rich color, Purple Fountain Grass is a must-have for your home landscape.