Grasses
Pennisetum advena 'Rubrum'
Purple fountain grass
Also known as: Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum'
Burgundy arching leaves and soft, rosy bottlebrush plumes bring long-lasting color to summer containers and sunny beds. The fountain-like shape makes a strong centerpiece beside lower annuals. This is a tender grass grown as an annual in the Cincinnati area, not a winter-hardy maiden grass.
At a glance
- Sun
- Full sun
- Mature size
- About 2–4 ft. tall × About 2–3 ft. wide
- Water
- Average; water containers regularly
- Hardiness
- Tender; grow as an annual locally
- Bloom
- Summer to frost.
Sizes & prices
- #3Call for price
- 4.5$8.99
Catalog updated September 8, 2026. This is not a live stock count; please call to confirm availability and price.
Ask about this plantSelect a section to expand.
Resistance & tolerances
- Deer
- Generally resistant; not browse-proof.
Resistance is not a guarantee; deer and rabbits may browse any plant.
Seasonal interest
- Habit
- Warm-season, clumping annual locally.
Growing & care
- Planting
- Plant outdoors after frost danger has passed.
- Maintenance
- Remove damaged foliage; replace after a killing frost.
Sources & photo credits
Photo: Mokkie / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0; resized to 960 pixels wide
_2.jpg){kind=link}
Image notes: Pennisetum advena 'Rubrum' foliage; photo by Mokkie, resized for web display.
Reviewed October 1, 2026. Growing conditions vary by location.