Species pearl millet
Brown flower with hair, and brown stems.

pearl millet

Pennisetum glaucum 'Purple Majesty'

Pearl millet 'Purple Majesty' is an ornamental grass with an upright habit and deep purple foliage. This warm-season grass produces plumes of purple and white flowers during summer, adding color and texture to your landscape. The foliage turns deep shades of purple during hot weather and silver-green in cooler weather. Plants should be grown in a sunny location with well-drained soil for best performance, and pruned back a bit after the flowering season for more vigorous growth each year. Its stunning visuals make it a great choice for landscape edging, mass plantings, and containers.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

2 - 11

Flowers:

Purple, Yellow Flowers In Summer

Sun:

Full sun, Part sun/part shade

Soil:

Well-drained

Fruits:

purple Fruits In Summer Ready In

Edible:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

purple

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum 'Purple Majesty') should be watered 1-2 times per week. The amount of water should be enough to keep the soil moist but not soggy, and the surface of the soil should be lightly damp after each watering. It is important to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to disease and root rot. Furthermore, be sure to water the plant deeply rather than lightly watering it multiple times; this will promote deep and healthy root growth. If the whereabouts of the plant allow it, try to water the plant in the morning in order for the foliage to have ample time to dry out before nightfall.

sunlight

Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum 'Purple Majesty') should receive full or direct sunlight for at least 6-8 hours per day for optimal growth. This species of plant prefers hot and dry climates, so the direct sunlight helps the plant to thrive and reach its full potential. During the summer months, it is best to place the plants in a somewhat shaded area during the hottest hours of the day, from 10:00AM to 4:00PM, to ensure they receive some respite from the more extreme midday summer heat and still get enough light. In cooler climates, less sunlight is needed. It is best to water your Pearl millet early in the morning to allow the sun to slowly and naturally dry the foliage, which is beneficial for the plants.

pruning

Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum 'Purple Majesty') should be pruned during the early spring. Only the dried or dead stems and foliage should be trimmed or pruned. Pruning should be done lightly, as this species tends to respond to pruning with vigorous new growth. If you are looking for a more formal shape, pruning can help to reduce the height of the plant and encourage it to bush out. Regular pruning will help to encourage new growth and promote flowering and seed growth.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

The best time to start harvesting the fruits from Pennisetum glaucum 'Purple Majesty' is usually between July and September.

Starts Flowering

Pearl millet typically starts flowering in July.

Harvest Fruit

The best time to start harvesting the fruits from Pennisetum glaucum 'Purple Majesty' is usually between July and September.

Hardiness Map