Pennisetum advena Rubrum - Purple Fountain Grass

Pennisetum x advena 'Rubrum' (syn. P. setaceum 'Rubrum'), also known as Purple Fountain Grass, is a perennial grass cultivated as an annual and appreciated for its colored foliage ranging from purple-red to chocolate. The intensity of this colouration will vary depending on the exposure: in full sun the foliage is very dark, almost black, while in partial shade it is red-purple. This variety brings an exotic and elegant touch to flowerbeds and is a popular choice for potted plants. It thrives in well-drained moist to dry soil, in full sun.

Pennisetum x advena 'Rubrum' is a rhizomatous perennial plant native to tropical Africa that cannot tolerate freezing temperatures and has very rapid growth. In temperate climates it reaches maturity in just a few months, making it suitable for cultivation as an annual. This grass forms a fountain of rough, ribbon-like foliage, reaching a height of 1m (3.3 ft) when in flower, with a width of 30 cm (11.8 in), displaying particularly rich colours. The flowering period is from July to October, longer if the autumn is mild. The gracefully arching spikes hang above the foliage, supported on stiff stems. They consist of tiny purple-pink spikelets, clustered in narrow panicles, 20 to 30 cm (11.8 in) long, with a feathery appearance and covered in long hairs. As they fade, they take on a more blond color.

Pennisetum x advena 'Rubrum' (syn. P. setaceum 'Rubrum') is the most well-known of the annual Pennisetums and continues to be a popular choice among professional and amateur gardeners. It is versatile, both in its exotic and elegant appearance as well as its ease of cultivation and frugality. It is perfectly adapted to salt spray and drought, making it useful in dry gardens, as well as in potted plants or rockeries. Plant it en masse along pathways or create romantic displays alongside autumn-flowering perennials such as asters, hardy chrysanthemums, and Japanese anemones.