Pennisetum advena rubrum – Purple Fountain Grass – is a beautiful, quick-growing, exotic grass ideal for screening and feature planting. The long, narrow, upright to arching foliage is dark burgundy-red to bronze in colour from spring through to autumn, turning a warm straw colour in winter. Arresting burgundy to cream foxtail-like flowers are displayed above the foliage from mid-spring to autumn. Fertilise with a slow release once a year in spring. Prune back every few years to encourage new growth.

Soil: Moist, fertile loams to clay loams preferring good drainage but tolerating poor drainage.
Conditions: Best foliage colour is seen in full sun but the plant will accept partly shaded sites. Drought, coastal, humid, wind and mildly frost tolerant.
Size: Height 1.5m x width 1.5m

Pennisetum advena ‘Rubrum’ is a striking ornamental grass, grown for its deep burgundy foliage and soft, arching red-purple flower spikes that appear from July to September. Fast-growing and full of movement, it brings texture and colour to sunny borders or large containers, where the feathery plumes catch the light and sway beautifully in the breeze.

This variety thrives in warm, sheltered spots. Borderline hardy in the UK, it benefits from winter protection or overwintering in a frost-free location. A superb choice for adding late-season interest and architectural form.

July-September flowering. Best planted in full sun and well-drained, moderately fertile soil. Height & spread: 1.5m x 0.9m (5′ x 3′).