African fountain grass 'Rubrum'

Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum' | Also known as: Purple fountain grass 'Rubrum', Pennisetum ruepellii 'Rubrum' | Rating: 0 votes | Print / Pdf

Pennisetum setaceum or African fountain grass is a beautiful ornamental grass that features upright or gently arching slender blades. The flower panicles range from purplish-pink to ivory in colour. They are elongated and resemble soft bristle brushes. African fountain grass should be planted in areas of full sunlight within loamy or sandy soil that offers good drainage. This is a versatile grass that can be used to good effect in a variety of garden designs. Place it within courtyard gardens or city gardens, it also works well in coastal or cottage gardens. This is an excellent low-maintenance plant for beds and borders or for edging and it can also be grown in containers.

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Plant
Known dangers?
  • no
Height [m]
  • 0.9 - 1.5
Spread [m]
  • 0.3 - 0.6
Dominant flower colour
  • Pink
Flower Fragrance
  • No, neutral please
Flowering seasons
  • Early spring
  • Mid spring
  • Late spring
  • Early summer
  • Mid summer
  • Late summer
  • Early autumn
  • Mid autumn
Foliage in spring
  • Red shades
Foliage in summer
  • Red shades
Foliage in Autumn
  • Red shades
Foliage in winter
  • Brown or bronze
Propagation methods
  • seed
  • division
Growth habit
  • Clump-forming
Environment
Acidity
  • Acidic
  • Neutral
  • Alkaline
Hardiness zone
  • Z8-11
Heat zone
  • H12-8
Winter temperatures [°C]
  • -12 - 4
Heat days
  • 90 - 210
Moisture
  • well-drained
Soil type
  • sandy
  • chalky
  • loams
Sun requirements
  • Full sun
Exposure
  • Exposed
  • Sheltered
Usage
Standard category
  • Flowers & bulbs
  • Perennials
Grown for
  • Ornamental Foliage
Creative category
  • Kid Approved
  • Fast growing
  • For Beginners
Garden type
  • Cottage garden
  • Coastal
  • City
  • Prairies
Garden spaces
  • Flower beds
  • Cut flowers
  • Borders
Gardening expertise
  • beginner
Time to reach full size
  • 1 to 2 years
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3 Related plants
Pennisetum setaceum

African fountain grass

PLANTS Pennisetum setaceum

Pennisetum setaceum or African fountain grass is a beautiful ornamental grass that features upright or gently arching slender blades. The flower panicles range from purplish-pink to ivory in colour. They are elongated and resemble soft bristle brushes. African fountain grass should be planted in areas of full sunlight within loamy or sandy soil that offers good drainage. This is a versatile grass that can be used to good effect in a variety of garden designs. Place it within courtyard gardens or city gardens, it also works well in coastal or cottage gardens. This is an excellent low-maintenance plant for beds and borders or for edging and it can also be grown in containers.