Purple Fountain Grass / Pennisetum Rubrum

Cenchrus setaceus 'Rubrum'

description

Purple Fountain Grass is a warm-season ornamental grass with burgundy foliage and arching plumes.

benefits

Suitable for containers

How to care for Purple Fountain Grass

sunlight

Native to sunny, open drylands, purple fountain grass keeps its deepest color and fullest shape in strong light. Grow it outdoors in an unshaded spot whenever possible.

Full sun

Aim for at least 6 hours of direct sun daily. It tolerates light shade, but foliage may turn greener and stems can stretch or flop. Indoors, use the brightest south- or west-facing window, ideally with several hours of direct sun.

If the burgundy color fades or growth leans toward the window, move it into stronger light and rotate the pot weekly.

watering

Water deeply, then let the upper 1-2 inches of soil dry before watering again. Purple fountain grass tolerates short dry spells better than constantly wet roots.

Spring through early fall

Water newly planted clumps about 1-2 times weekly for their first growing season, soaking the root zone each time. Once established in the ground, water roughly every 7-14 days during dry weather. Container plants in full sun may need water every 2-4 days in hot weather. Check the soil first: water when the top 1-2 inches are dry and the pot feels noticeably lighter.

In a pot, water until it runs from the drainage holes, then empty any saucer so the roots do not sit in water.

Cool weather or dormancy

Growth slows as temperatures cool, so let more of the soil dry between waterings. A sheltered container may need water roughly every 2-4 weeks; established plants in the ground usually need little extra water unless conditions stay dry. Rainfall, sun, heat, wind, pot size, and soil mix all change the schedule.

Avoid soggy soil, especially in cool weather. Poor drainage can rot the roots and cause yellowing or collapse.

humidity

Humidity

30-60%

Adapted to warm, relatively dry regions, Purple Fountain Grass does not need tropical humidity. Ordinary household or garden air is fine, with around 40-50% being plenty.

Crisp brown tips usually mean a dry root ball or hot wind before they mean low humidity.

Air below about 25% for long periods can worsen browning, especially on container plants. Check soil moisture first and water deeply if it has dried out.

During dry indoor heating

Keep it away from heating vents and strong drafts.
Use a humidifier only if the air stays very dry; aim for at least 30%.
Skip misting, which does little for humidity and can mark the foliage.

temperature

Active growth

21-32°C (70-90°F)

Winter minimum

10°C (50°F)

Purple Fountain Grass is a warm-season grass that thrives in summer heat. Give it a sunny, sheltered spot outdoors, and protect potted plants as nights cool. Growth slows in cool weather, and frost kills the foliage.

Move container plants indoors or to a protected spot before overnight temperatures regularly fall below 10°C (50°F).

Do not leave it out for frost. Freezing temperatures can kill this tender grass.

nutrition

April - August

Feed about once a month while it is actively making new leaves and plumes. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength on damp soil. Stop feeding when growth slows in autumn and do not fertilize dormant or overwintering plants.

Nitrogen

Nitrogen supports the lush burgundy foliage. A light, regular feed is enough - too much can make growth soft and reduce the plant's tidy form.

Potassium

Potassium helps support sturdy stems and flowering plumes. A general-purpose fertilizer provides enough for most container-grown plants.

Water first, then fertilize. Flush the pot with plain water if you see a white crust on the soil or leaf tips begin to brown.

soil

Loose, well-draining soil

Purple fountain grass grows best in a light mix that holds some moisture but lets excess water drain quickly, keeping its roots healthy. Use quality potting soil mixed with perlite, coarse sand, or fine bark for extra air space.

pH 6,0 - 7,0

This is slightly acidic to neutral, a range that suits most standard potting mixes. Choose a general-purpose mix and avoid strongly acidic soil amendments unless you have tested the soil.

Use a pot with drainage holes, and do not let the container sit in collected water after rain or watering.