Species crimson fountaingrass
elongated, feathery, gray-khaki flowers or cobs, with long, slender, yellow-green stems

crimson fountaingrass

Pennisetum setaceum

Crimson Fountaingrass (Pennisetum setaceum) is an ornamental perennial grass with vibrant red-purple leaves that form a graceful fountain shape. It grows to up to 1 meter tall in sunny locations, and its deep roots make it drought-tolerant. In the fall, it produces red-purple inflorescences that last until cold winter. This fast-growing grass looks stunning in gardens and landscapes and can act as a natural fence. It attracts birds and bees for added color and life. Plant it in full sun and prune regularly to keep it at the desired size.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

9 - 10

Flowers:

Burgundy purple Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Soil:

Well-drained

Fruits:

red,brown Fruits In Autumn Ready In Fall

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,purple

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Crimson fountaingrass should be watered deeply and thoroughly whenever the top 2-3 inches of soil starts to dry out. This typically happens every 7-10 days in the summer and every 10-14 days in the winter. During hot weather, the soil may dry out faster and more frequent watering may be necessary. Avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot and other issues.

sunlight

Crimson fountain grass prefers full sun, meaning 6 to 8 hours of direct sun daily for optimal growth. It grows best in hot, dry climates with average temperatures of 70–85°F (21–29°C) and plenty of sun. It can tolerate soils with low fertility, but thrives in nutrient-rich, well-drained soil. Unlike other grasses that prefer partial shade, it requires full, direct sunlight for best growth. When grown in too much shade, it tends to become leggy and less vigorous. Crimson fountain grass also performs well in containers, as long as it receives full sun during the day.

pruning

Crimson Fountaingrass (Pennisetum setaceum) should be pruned in January or February to maximize its health and vigor. Pruning can help to promote air circulation and light penetration into the center of the grass clumps. It also helps to remove any dead or damaged blades, which can help reduce any disease issues. Manipulating the height of the grass with pruning also helps to create an aesthetically pleasing look, as it gives the grass a more uniform look. Pruning could include cutting the grass to about 8-10 inches in height, using either scissors or shears. Take care not to prune too much, since over-pruning can cause the grass to die out. Additionally, avoid pruning the grass during extremely dry periods, as this can cause the plant to become stressed.

Season

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

Harvesting of Pennisetum setaceum typically begins in late summer, usually in August or September.

Starts Flowering

Pennisetum setaceum typically starts flowering in late spring or early summer, usually between May and July.

Starts Flowering

Pennisetum setaceum typically starts flowering in late spring or early summer, usually between May and July.

Harvest Fruit

Harvesting of Pennisetum setaceum typically begins in late summer, usually in August or September.

Hardiness Map