Pennisetum, Dwarf Purple Fountain Grass, Ornamental Grass, Rose Fountain Grass 'Red Riding Hood'

Pennisetumsetaceum

Family
Poaceae (poh-AY-see-ee)
Genus
Pennisetum (pen-ih-SEE-tum)
Species
setaceum (se-TAY-see-um)
Synonym
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Sun to Partial Shade
Foliage
Grown for foliage
Height
18-24 in. (45-60 cm)
Spacing
9-12 in. (22-30 cm)
12-15 in. (30-38 cm)
Hardiness
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)
Bloom Color
Scarlet (dark red)
Bloom Time
Mid Summer
Late Summer/Early Fall
Mid Fall
Other Details
Category
Ornamental Grasses and Bamboo
Water Requirements
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Foliage Color
Burgundy/Maroon
Orange/Apricot
Where to Grow
Can be grown as an annual
Bloom Characteristics
This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds
Bloom Size
Other details
Soil pH requirements
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)
Patent Information
Propagation Methods
By dividing the rootball
Seed Collecting
Regional

This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:

Chandler, Arizona

Scottsdale, Arizona

San Jose, California

Stockton, California

Scarborough, Maine

Calabash, North Carolina

Kure Beach, North Carolina

Enid, Oklahoma

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Cibolo, Texas

Georgetown, Texas

Marble Falls, Texas

Danville, Virginia

Lynch Station, Virginia

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Gardener's Notes:

4
positives
2
neutrals
0
negative
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T
Picture Rocks, AZ | May 2012 | neutral

I planted three in full sun in the Tucson area and they grew a bit larger than I anticipated, perhaps 40 inches high. The effect is drama...Read More

V
Danville, VA | April 2010 | positive

I've grown this for three years. I am in zone 7. It will not survive the winters here, so plan on it as an annual. It does not grow mo...Read More

T
Marble Falls, TX | July 2006 | positive

Neat little grass. Closer in attractiveness to taller varieties of "Purple Fountain Grass" than any I've seen thus far. As the taller typ...Read More

A
Chandler, AZ | November 2005 | positive

Fountain Grass grows like a weed in the low desert of AZ and is becoming a pest. 'Purpurea' variety is sterile, no seeding problems.
...Read More

C
C
Dallas, TX | September 2005 | positive

Beautiful plant and great addition to the garden. Evereyone has admired them profusely. Mine have grown to almost 6'. Yesterday's rain...Read More

N
New York & Terrell, TX (Zone 8b) | February 2005 | neutral

Upright and arching. A dwarf form of 'Rubrum', this rich burgundy- colored fountain grass does wonders for borders and corners, and any c...Read More

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