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Grass, Purple Fountain
Pennisetum setaceum 'Atrosanguineum'
Purple Fountain Grass is a showy ornamental grass prized for its striking burgundy-purple foliage and arching plumes of soft, feathery flowers. Though native to Africa and the Middle East, this warm-season grass adapts well to Texas landscapes, particularly in USDA Zones 9 through 11, where it is perennial. In cooler zones, it is often treated as an annual. It grows to a mature height of 3 to 5 feet and spreads 2 to 4 feet, creating a dramatic focal point in borders, mass plantings, or container gardens. Purple Fountain Grass thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained soils, tolerating both slightly acidic and alkaline conditions.
This ornamental grass adds texture, movement, and year-round interest to the landscape with its rich color and graceful form. Its soft, fuzzy plumes appear in late spring to early summer and persist into the fall, enhancing its visual appeal. Purple Fountain Grass is drought-tolerant once established, making it a reliable choice for xeriscapes and low-maintenance gardens. Additionally, it is deer-resistant, as its tough, fibrous foliage is unpalatable to most wildlife.
Space plants 2 to 3 feet apart for a natural look or slightly closer for denser groupings. While non-toxic, its sharp-edged blades may cause minor skin irritation if handled without gloves. Purple Fountain Grass works beautifully in contemporary landscapes, mixed perennial beds, or as a striking accent plant in decorative pots. It also pairs well with other heat-tolerant plants like lantanas, salvias, or Blackfoot daisies.
In regions with regular freezing temperatures, Purple Fountain Grass is not frost-hardy and will die back in winter. Treat it as an annual, or dig up and overwinter it indoors in containers. Alternatively, collect seeds in the fall to propagate new plants the following season.
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Accent Plant |
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Color Contrast |
Flower Color:Pinkish Purple
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Height:4 Feet
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Spread:3 Feet
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USDA Hardiness Zone 8b
Available Sizes:
| Item |
Description |
| GRS-PUR-05 |
#003 GRASS, PURPLE FOUNTAIN |
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Characteristics & Attributes
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Deer Tolerance
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Exposure
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Full Sun |
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Full Sun to Part Shade |
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Habit
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Soil pH Preference
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Water Needs
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Tolerates Poor Drainage
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