Purple fountain grass is a type of ornamental grass, not a flowering plant. While it does produce seed heads, these structures do not contain petals or other features typically associated with flowers.
As a result, purple fountain grass does not produce any vibrant blooms. However, many gardeners still appreciate the plant for its unique color and texture.
Essentials
Soil composition and ph levels for purple fountain grass
Soil composition and ph levels for purple fountain grass:
🟣 Purple fountain grass prefers well-drained, sandy soil with a pH of 5.5 to 7.2.
🟣 Soil that is too alkaline or too acidic can stunt the growth of purple fountain grass.
🟣 Amending the soil with compost or peat moss can help to create the ideal growing conditions.
Watering purple fountain grass
Watering purple fountain grass- Water the plant deeply and less frequently to encourage deep rooting.
🟣 Wait until the soil is dry before watering again.
🟣 Water in the morning so that the leaves have time to dry before nightfall.
🟣 Bring the plant indoors during winter and water it only enough to keep the soil moist.
Are there flowers in purple fountain grass?
Are there flowers in purple fountain grass? No, there are no flowers in the purple fountain grass. The plant produces seed heads, which are often mistaken for flowers.
Does purple fountain grass produce fruits?
Purple fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum) is an ornamental grass that is grown for its purple leaves and plumes. It is a perennial plant that is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Purple fountain grass does produce fruits, which are small, dry, and paper-like. The fruits contain the seeds of the plant and are dispersed by the wind. Purple fountain grass is not grown for its fruits, but rather for its ornamental value.
If you are growing purple fountain grass for its fruits, you may be disappointed with the yield.
Propagation of purple fountain grass
Propagation of purple fountain grass can be done either by seed or by division.
For seed propagation, sow the seeds in a well-drained soil mix at a depth of 1/4 inch. The ideal temperature for germination is 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Water the seeds regularly, keeping the soil moist but not soggy.
Once the seedlings have emerged, thin them so that they are spaced about 12 inches apart.
For division, dig up a clump of purple fountain grass and divide it into smaller sections with a shovel or spade. Replant the divisions immediately in a prepared bed, spacing them about 12 inches apart.
Water well to settle the roots into their new home. Propagation by division is best done in early spring.
Pests and diseases in purple fountain grass
Pests and diseases are common problems in purple fountain grass. Some of the most common include rust, root rot, and caterpillars. Rust is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of the plant, causing them to turn yellow or brown.
Root rot is another fungal disease that attacks the roots of the plant, causing them to rot and eventually die. Caterpillars are a type of larvae that feed on the leaves of the plant, causing them to turn brown and wither.
To avoid these problems, it is important to water your purple fountain grass regularly and fertilize it with a balanced fertilizer. If you see any signs of pests or diseases, be sure to remove them immediately.
Irritation to pets from purple fountain grass
Irritation to pets can occur if they ingest the plant or have prolonged contact with it. Symptoms may include drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.
If your pet has any of these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.
Varieties of purple fountain grass
Varieties of purple fountain grass include ‘Fireworks’, ‘Rubrum’, ‘Sensation’, and ‘Bosworth’s Purple’. Each variety has slightly different features, but all are characterized by their deep purple color and unique foliage.
‘Fireworks’ is a particularly popular variety, known for its lush growth and vibrant color. Regardless of the specific variety, purple fountain grass is an eye-catching addition to any garden.
Growing purple fountain grass in containers and pots
Growing purple fountain grass in containers and pots can be an easy and rewarding experience. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
🟣 Choose a pot that is large enough to accommodate the roots of the plant. A pot that is too small will constrict the roots and prevent the plant from growing to its full potential.
🟣 Use a well-draining potting mix. Purple fountain grass needs moist soil, but it cannot tolerate standing water. Be sure to use a mix that has good drainage to avoid problems with root rot.
🟣 Place the pot in an area that receives full sun. Purple fountain grass is a warm-season plant and needs plenty of sunlight to thrive.
By following these simple tips, you can successfully grow purple fountain grass in containers and pots.
Caring for purple fountain grass
Purple fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum “Rubrum”) is a lush, sensitive perennial that is often used as an annual in colder climates.
It grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 through 11. Caring for purple fountain grass properly will keep it looking its best throughout the growing season.
Watering: Purple fountain grass needs about 1 inch of water per week. Water deeply and less often to encourage deep root growth. Soak the ground thoroughly, then allow it to dry out before watering again.
Avoid wetting the leaves, as this can promote fungal diseases.
Fertilizing: Fertilize purple fountain grass monthly with a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10. Apply the fertilizer at half the rate recommended on the package. Alternatively, you can top-dress the soil around the plant with compost in early spring.
Pruning: Cut back purple fountain grass in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Remove any dead or damaged leaves, then cut back the remaining foliage by about one-third its overall height.
Companion plants for purple fountain grass
Companion planting is a great way to add color and interest to your garden. Here are some Companion plants for purple fountain grass:
🟣Lantana: A colorful annual that blooms all season long, lantana is a great choice for adding color to your garden. Plant it near the edge of a border or in a container for best results.
🟣Verbena: Another annual that blooms continuously, verbena is a great choice for adding color and texture to your garden. It’s also deer resistant, making it a good option for gardens in areas where deer are a problem.
🟣Sedum: A drought tolerant perennial, sedum is a great choice for xeriscaping or rock gardens. It’s also tolerant of poor soil, making it a good choice for areas where other plants would struggle. Companion plant it with purple fountain grass for best results.
Planting and spacing for purple fountain grass
Planting and spacing for purple fountain grass:
🟣 Plant in full sun.
🟣 Space plants 18 to 24 inches apart.
🟣 Plant in well-drained soil.
🟣 Fertilize monthly.
🟣 Water deeply but infrequently.
🟣 Cut back to 6 inches in late winter.
Best planting time for purple fountain grass
The best time to plant purple fountain grass is in the spring or early summer, when the weather is warm and wet. The roots will have a better chance to establish themselves in moist soil, and the young plants will be less likely to suffer from drought stress.
Keep in mind that purple fountain grass is a perennial, so it will come back every year. Once it is established, it will need very little care. Simply trim it back in late winter or early spring to keep it tidy.
With its graceful shape and vibrant color, purple fountain grass is an excellent addition to any garden.
Benefits of purple fountain grass
Purple fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum rubrum) is a popular ornamental grass that is known for its vibrant purple color and graceful plumes. This heat-loving plant is native to Africa and thrives in warm, sunny climates.
Purple fountain grass is a versatile plant that can be used as a ground cover, hedge, or accent in the landscape. It is relatively drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, making it an ideal choice for busy homeowners.
Additionally, this grass is known to be resistant to deer and rabbits.
How long to grow purple fountain grass?
How long to grow purple fountain grass? The average time it takes to grow purple fountain grass is between 1-2 months. However, this can vary depending on the climate and conditions in which it is grown.
If you are growing purple fountain grass in an ideal climate, with plenty of sunlight and humidity, it may only take a few weeks to reach its full height.
On the other hand, if you are growing it in a cooler climate or during the winter months, it may take longer for the plant to reach its full size.
Ultimately, the best way to determine how long it will take for your purple fountain grass to grow is to simply keep an eye on it and wait until it reaches the desired height.
Will purple fountain grass survive winter?
Purple fountain grass is a beautiful addition to any garden, but it is important to know whether or not it will survive the winter months. Here are some things to consider:
🟣 The type of purple fountain grass you have. There are many varieties of this plant, and some are more cold-hardy than others. If you’re not sure which type you have, ask a nursery or gardening center for help.
🟣 The climate where you live. Purple fountain grass is native to tropical and subtropical regions, so it will not survive in areas that experience severe winters. If you live in a milder climate, however, your plant stands a better chance of surviving the cold weather.
🟣 The care you give it. Purple fountain grass will be more likely to survive winter if it is well-watered and fertilized throughout the growing season. Also, be sure to mulch around the base of the plant to help insulate its roots from the cold.
With these factors in mind, you should have a better idea of whether or not your purple fountain grass will survive winter.
If you’re still not sure, consult with a local nursery or gardening center for advice.
Attribution: Dinesh Valke from Thane, India, CC BY-SA 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
When does purple fountain grass bloom?
🟣Purple fountain grass is an ornamental grass that blooms in the summer and fall.
🟣The plant grows to be about 3 feet tall and has purple, red, or green leaves.
🟣The flowers are small and pink, and they bloom in clusters.
🟣Purple fountain grass is a drought-tolerant plant that is native to Africa.
🟣It prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
Is purple fountain grass invasive?
Yes, this is a widely accepted fact. This is due to the fact that it is an escaped ornamental plant that is often found in disturbed areas, along roadsides, and in other open spaces.
This grass has been known to crowd out native vegetation, reduce biodiversity and disrupt ecosystem functions. More research is needed to determine the full extent of its impact on natural areas.
In the meantime, it is best to avoid planting this species in areas where it is not already present.
