Pennisetumxadvena‘Rubrum’
With its rich majestic leaves and long , colorful flower spike , purple jet locoweed is among the loveliest of the ornamental grasses .
Alas , its beauty is fleeting . Hardy in zone 9 to 11,P.xadvena‘Rubrum ’ is grown as an annual in most of the United States .
They were actually quite popular here in Austin , Zone 8b , for a few years , but I do n’t see them much anymore – presumably because they could n’t take our occasional parky weather , and no one was in particular motivate to supercede them .
We link to trafficker to help you find relevant product . If you buy from one of our links , we may bring in a commission .
We ’re not too fond of annuals in these parts . Too much trouble .
But for those who are in the right zone or who appreciate spectacular , glorious annuals , you could n’t expect for a more statement - get addition to the landscape .
Put one in full sun , in a place that will admit its five base of width and height , and you ’ll be delight by the colorful folio and the showy plume heads that issue in late summer or early drop in empurpled , pinkish , or copper and gently languish to tan .
Let ’s larn more about this beauty !
What You’ll Learn
You know how we care to sometimes get into the weeds ( haha ) about nomenclature . We ’ll just let you live that you may also see this case of ornamental dope pertain to asPennisetum setaceum‘Rubrum ’ .
However , very smart botanist - taxonomy people have decided that this plant is most likely a hybridisation betweenP. setaceumandP. macrostachys , and as a hybrid , the name should bePennisetumxadvena‘Rubrum . ’
Do you feel smart ?
Cultivation and History
Open - pollinated fountain pot is native to open up , scrubby habitat in South and East Africa , southwestern Asia , and the Arabian Peninsula . The aboriginal rendering has been introduced to many parts of the world , come to Hawaii around 1914 and to Arizona in the 1940s .
SomePennisetumspeciesare considered invasive but cultivar such as ‘ Rubrum ’ are sterile .
Propagation
Since it ’s sterile , you wo n’t get any utile seeds .
The good manner to get more purple fount gage is to buy a plant from a baby’s room or online generator or divide an survive flora in your garden ( or your neighbor ’s garden … shhhhh ! ) .
con more about dividing perennial here .
How to Grow Purple Fountain Grass
aim your ‘ Rubrum ’ in a cheery daub . water system young plants liberally for the first three months or so . After that , this industrial plant is quite drought broad .
you could apply a general - function fertilizer once a calendar month throughout the growing time of year . Or not . I never fertilized mine and they were quite spectacular . Until a frost got them …
Growing Tips
Pruning and Maintenance
If , in your neck of the woods , this flora is ever - imperial , cut it back in late winter or other springtime to encourage lots of tonic , attractive growth .
Wear glovesand foresighted sleeves , as the foliage can be quite sharp .
instruct more about trim ornamental grasses .
Where to Buy
you could find a quart - size of it container of ‘ Rubrum’at Nature Hills Nursery .
Purple Fountain Grass via Nature Hills Nursery
Managing Pests and Diseases
P.xadvena‘Rubrum ’ is virtually disease- and pest - barren .
Though rare for this species , rust fungus can be a problem for decorative grasses , especially if they are grow in warm and wet term . This condition first appears as modest white-livered point that develop into rusty reddish - chocolate-brown raised portions on the leaves .
If you find rusting , a fungicidal nebuliser may be used . To forbid this disease , be sure to keep the air free of weed with right flow of air , do not overwater , and piddle only at the base of plant .
Best Uses for Purple Fountain Grass
Purple fount grass is quite various , with many uses in the landscape . It can be a specimen plant or can be mass for a striking display . It is sometimes used in borders as well .
you’re able to also put ‘ Rubrum ’ in containers and overwinter it indoors . Be certain to use a large container as it can get quite bragging .
Some gardener wish to apply the dramatic plumes in cut flower arrangements , though they can be a bit mussy . Use a commercial floral sealant or hair’s-breadth spray to keep them intact .
Quick Reference Growing Guide
Easy Come, Easy Go
If you ’re looking for a genuinely sensational landscape plant with dramatic leaf and longsighted , attractive flower stalks , purple fountain weed is a spectacular choice .
If you ’re not in Zones 9 to 11 , design to replant each saltation unlessyou put it in a containerand overwinter it indoors . And if you ’re not in a warmer mood , there are other mintage and cultivar of fountain grass that can be grown as perennials up into Zone 5 .
This consistently pest- and disease - detached , comfortable - care ornamental grass pee a statement whether it ’s used as a specimen plant or grown en masse shot .
If you come up this guide worthful , check out more landscaping info here :
© Ask the Experts , LLC . ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.See our TOSfor more point . Originally published August 10th , 2019 . Last updated : July 6th , 2023 . Product photograph via Nature Hills Nursery . Uncredited photo : Shutterstock . With additional composition and editing by Allison Sidhu .
About
Gretchen Heber
