Purple Fountain Grass (1 Gallon)

🌾 Purple Fountain Grass – 1 Gallon – Description

Graceful, bold, and full of movement, Purple Fountain Grass (Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum') brings instant texture and drama to any garden or container. With its rich burgundy-purple foliage and soft, arching plumes that sway in the breeze, this ornamental grass feels both elegant and welcoming—just like a home-cooked meal shared on the porch or a quiet evening stroll through the garden.

Beloved for its color and shape, Purple Fountain Grass is easy to grow and makes a beautiful focal point in containers, borders, and flower beds. Its fluffy seed heads bloom from midsummer through fall, catching the sunlight and drawing in admiring glances (and the occasional songbird). It’s the kind of plant that looks lovely on its own or as a backdrop to bright summer blooms.

Type: Warm-season ornamental grass (annual in cool zones, perennial in warm zones)
Foliage: Arching burgundy-purple blades
Flowers: Soft, bottlebrush-style plumes in pink to tan shades
Growth Habit: Upright and fountain-like
Mature Size: 3–5 feet tall, 2–4 feet wide
Bloom Time: Mid-summer to first frost
Attracts Wildlife: Birds enjoy the seed heads; movement attracts pollinators

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🌱 How to Care for Purple Fountain Grass (1 Gallon Pot)

This gorgeous grass is ideal for Wright’s Market gardeners looking for easy-care beauty with a little flair. It pairs wonderfully with bold flowers, cozy cottage styles, and Southern porch pots alike.

☀️ Sunlight:

• Loves full sun—at least 6 hours a day

• Can tolerate light shade but performs best in bright spots

• The more sun it gets, the richer the color

🌾 Soil:

• Prefers well-draining soil

• Grows well in garden beds, containers, and raised planters

• Not picky about soil type—adapts to most average soils

💧 Watering:

• Water regularly while establishing

• Once established, becomes moderately drought-tolerant

• Allow top inch of soil to dry between waterings in containers

🌿 Pruning:

• Trim back in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh growth

• In cold climates, treat as an annual and compost after frost

• Can be overwintered indoors in pots if desired

🌱 Fertilizing:

• Optional but helpful—apply a balanced fertilizer in spring for lush growth

• Too much fertilizer can lead to floppy stems, so use sparingly

🐛 Pest & Disease Care:

• Virtually pest-free and deer-resistant

• Keep the base tidy to prevent mold or fungal issues in humid conditions

• Ensure good air circulation if planting densely

❄️ Cold Sensitivity:

• Hardy in USDA Zones 9–11

• In Zones 8 and colder, grow as an annual or bring indoors before frost

• Container plants can be overwintered in a garage or sunroom with minimal watering

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With its soft, sweeping plumes and rich color, Purple Fountain Grass adds movement, elegance, and a little Southern charm to any space. Whether you plant it beside a white picket fence, in a patio container, or at the center of your garden bed, it brings beauty that’s simple, stylish, and deeply rooted in tradition.