Deciduous Perennial
(usually grown as an annual near you)
Mounded-clump, arching in the Poaceae Family
Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum' showcases stunning bronze-purple foliage topped with graceful arches of burgundy-toned seed heads. This striking ornamental grass adds vibrant color and texture to any landscape.
Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum', commonly known as Purple Fountain Grass, is a striking ornamental grass prized for its graceful, arching foliage and vibrant burgundy color. This perennial grass can grow up to 3 feet tall, producing beautiful feathery flower spikes that bloom from late summer to early fall. Its drought-tolerant nature makes it an excellent choice for water-wise gardens, while its dramatic appearance adds texture and movement to landscapes. Best suited for USDA zones 9 to 11, it is often used in borders, mass plantings, or as a focal point in garden designs.
Cons
This plant is probably not winter-hardy outdoors where you live.
Plant Data
Mature Size
30 - 36 inches
tall. 12 - 24 inches
wide.
Sun Exposure
Partial Sun - Full Sun
Moisture Tolerance
Medium
Zones
9a - 10b
(Usually hardy to 20° F)
Tags
Annual in Chicago, Attracts Beneficial Insects, Attracts Birds, Attracts Wildlife, Container, Deciduous, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Formal Garden, Full Sun, Good for Accents, Good for Beginners, Good for Borders, Good for Butterfly Garden, Good for Cottage Garden, Good for Mass Planting, Good for Rain Garden, Grasses, Grown For Attractive Foliage, Low Maintenance, Medium, Most Popular, Native to Africa, Naturalizing, Normal Soil, Partial Sun, Perennial, Popular For Fall, Rabbit Resistant, Tender Perennial, Thrillers, Tolerant of Clay Soil, Tolerant of Moist Soil, Tolerant of Sandy Soil, Well-Drained Soil, Woodland Garden Full Sun Perennials, Ornamental Grass, Summer Blooming Perennials
We try very hard to source exactly what you’d like, but sometimes growers run out of plants! While this variety is a great deal at the price shown, we know that it has limited availability. If you want the plant even if it might be more expensive, or in a different size or quantity -- after you place your order, just send us a quick note at help@northshoreplantclub.com. Then, we’ll try to get you some version of this from one of our growers. And if we can’t get it from anywhere, of course, we’ll send a refund!
Field-Grown vs. Greenhouse-Grown Plants
Plants which are well-adapted to our local climate are most often field-grown (outside). Field-grown plants are generally cheaper and have the advantage of already somewhat acclimated to our cold winters, but that means they’re not artificially far along in the spring and tend to bloom at the normal time in our area.
Spring annuals and tender perennials are typically grown in Greenhouses so they can be ready and luxurious exactly when customers want them. Some perennials are also “forced” into early bloom in greenhouses. In May, there can be a very big difference between field-grown and greenhouse-grown plants of the same type. The latter typically look good right away (so they’re a great choice where that’s important), but we typically pay a premium for it.
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Membership is free, but — since we rely on delivery and local pick-up — you have to live near one of our hubs (or be willing to drive to a site to pick them up). If you live farther away, and would like to help us bring the club to your neighbors, please email helpusgrow@northshoreplantclub.com.
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About Ordering From The Plant Club
To secure the best prices for club members and make sure we know the current plants available from each nursery, we take orders only a couple of times a month.
Shoot us an email at help@northshoreplantclub.com, and we'll be happy to talk about plants or let you know when it's time to buy them!
No Pricing or Availability Right Now
We order from a rotating cast of the best nurseries in the Great Lakes region.
It looks like we've offered this plant in the past, but the nurseries we're working with this week don't appear to have it in stock at the moment.
Our goal is to bring as many plants together under "one roof" as possible, so we'll try hard to make it available again in the future!