Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum' (Purple Fountain Grass)

Fountain Grass

Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum', or purple fountain grass, is a striking ornamental grass prized for its deep burgundy foliage and graceful, arching form. It grows 1–1.2 metres tall and wide, producing soft, purplish-pink flower plumes from summer into autumn. This drought-tolerant, fast-growing grass thrives in full sun and well-drained soils. Ideal for modern landscapes, containers, or mass plantings, it adds bold colour and texture to gardens. In cooler climates, it is often treated as an annual or overwintered indoors.

Pennisetum setaceum rubrum grass with purple foliage and flowers.

Pennisetum setaceum Rubrum (Fountain Grass) is currently unavailable.

Notify me when this is available:
Please enter your email address below if you would like to know when it becomes available again.

Suited to regions:All regions
Plant type:Grasses
Height:1.20 m
Spread:1.20 m
Flowering time:Summer
Tolerances:Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses:Living areas, Pool areas
Garden styles:Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Tropical
Easy to grow?Yes
Maintenance requirementsLow
Growth rateMedium
Also known asFountain Grass
Sku16791

Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubrum’ Prohibited in New Zealand

Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubrum’ (Purple Fountain Grass) is an invasive plant in New Zealand and is prohibited from sale, propagation, and distribution. It must not be released into the environment, as it spreads quickly, displaces native vegetation, and poses a significant risk to natural ecosystems.

Questions and Answers

Have a question about Pennisetum setaceum Rubrum (Fountain Grass)? We are here to help.

Pennisetum setaceum grass plants with white flowers on a hill.
Most Popular

Pennisetum setaceum (Fountain Grass)

Pennisetum setaceum (Fountain Grass) is a striking ornamental grass valued for its graceful, arching stems topped with feathery, bottlebrush-like...

Festuca coxii (Blue Fescue) grass growing in a garden.
Most Popular

Festuca coxii (Blue Fescue)

Festuca coxii, commonly known as Blue Fescue, is a hardy NZ native, ornamental grass that features fine, blue foliage. Straw-coloured seed heads...

From$14.18
Orange foliage on Carex testacea.
Most Popular

Carex testacea

Carex testacea, commonly known as Orange Sedge, is a striking New Zealand native grass admired for its fine, arching foliage that turns a brilliant...

From$13.43
festuca-banks-peninsula-blue-1
Most Popular

Festuca 'Banks Peninsula Blue' (Blue Fescue Grass)

Festuca 'Banks Peninsula Blue' is a striking ornamental grass valued for its fine, steel blue foliage that forms neat, compact clumps. This hardy...

From$14.18
Carex secta plants growing as a border garden in a commercial car park.
Most Popular

Carex secta (Swamp Sedge)

Carex secta, commonly known as Pukio, is a striking New Zealand native sedge admired for its large, tussock forming habit and golden green foliage...

From$15.53
–The Plant Company

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.9

429 Google reviews