Pennisetum setaceum 'Fireworks' PP18504

Celebration Series

Pennisetum 'Fireworks' Purple Fountain Grass

Common Name: Purple Fountain Grass, Ornamental Grass

The first-ever variegated Purple Fountain Grass! This striking cultivar was discovered and selected from a batch of P. ‘Rubrum’. The new leaves are longitudinally striped with white, green, and burgundy, lending a candy cane-like appearance to the foliage. In full sun, the green and white stripes become fully infused with hot pink, turning the entire clump into a glowing mass of hot pink and red foliage.

Like ‘Rubrum’, large, reddish purple, arching bottlebrush plumes top the clump from midsummer to frost, turning tan as they age.

Often grown as an annual in northern zones, Purple Fountain Grass is splendid in containers, around ponds, or as a focal point in the garden.

Height:

2.0-3.0 Feet

Spread:

2.0 Feet

Hardiness Zones:

9,10,11

Flower Color:

Purple-red shades

Foliage Color:

Variegated

Sunlight:

Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun)

Water Requirements:

Low Water Needs Average Water Needs

Soil Quality:

Poor Soil Quality Average Soil Quality Fertile Soil Quality

Soil Chemistry:

Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0) Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0)

Bloomtime:

Midsummer Late Summer Early Fall Mid Fall

Critter Resistant:

Deer Resistant

Seasonal Interest:

Dried Seed Heads Fall Color

Growth Rate:

Medium

Garden Style:

Patio Container Cottage Eclectic Modern Prairie

Other Features:

Border Plant Container Cut Flower Cut Foliage Dried Flower Easy To Grow Specimen Focal Point

Origin:

Not Native to North America

Pennisetum prefers to be grown in rich loamy soil with good drainage and full sun. However, it will grow in rocky or sandy soil as long as it has some moisture available. This grass resents having "wet feet".

Awards

Plantarium Silver Medal -- 2009

Characteristics