Grass, Fountain Grass 'Purple' (annual)

Grass, Fountain Grass 'Purple' (annual)

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SKU
GP493F-C
Sun Preference
Full-Sun, Part-Sun

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As low as: $5.99

Description

An extremely showy variety of fountain grass used as a focal point in the garden or containers; an upright clump of deep burgundy-purple bearing bottlebrush flowers that change from red to tan; may be treated as an annual; favored as a municipal planting

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Details

Height: 4 feet

Spread: 3 feet

Sunlight: full sun

Hardiness Zone: (annual)

Description:

An extremely showy variety of fountain grass used as a focal point in the garden or containers; an upright clump of deep burgundy-purple bearing bottlebrush flowers that change from red to tan; may be treated as an annual; favored as a municipal planting

Ornamental Features

Purple Fountain Grass has masses of beautiful plumes of red flowers with tan overtones rising above the foliage from late summer to mid fall, which are most effective when planted in groupings. Its grassy leaves are plum purple in color. As an added bonus, the foliage turns a gorgeous dark red in the fall. The fruit is not ornamentally significant.

Landscape Attributes

Purple Fountain Grass is an herbaceous annual with a shapely form and gracefully arching foliage. It brings an extremely fine and delicate texture to the garden composition and should be used to full effect.

This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and is best cleaned up in early spring before it resumes active growth for the season. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Purple Fountain Grass is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Accent
  • Mass Planting
  • Rock/Alpine Gardens
  • General Garden Use
  • Container Planting

Planting & Growing

Purple Fountain Grass will grow to be about 4 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 3 feet. Although it's not a true annual, this plant can be expected to behave as an annual in our climate if left outdoors over the winter, usually needing replacement the following year. As such, gardeners should take into consideration that it will perform differently than it would in its native habitat.

This plant should only be grown in full sunlight. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist growing conditions, but will not tolerate any standing water. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for a low-water garden or xeriscape application. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America. It can be propagated by division; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation.

Purple Fountain Grass is a fine choice for the garden, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor pots and containers. Because of its height, it is often used as a 'thriller' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination; plant it near the center of the pot, surrounded by smaller plants and those that spill over the edges. It is even sizeable enough that it can be grown alone in a suitable container. Note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden.

More Information

Common Family Name Grass
Sun Preference Full-Sun, Part-Sun
Plant Life Cycle Annual

Product Questions (10)

Gertens carries annuals, perennials, shrubs, trees, water plants, house plants, edibles, cacti/succulents, seasonal blooming holiday plants and a wide variety of bulbs and seeds!
Annuals are plants that complete their life cycle in one growing season (spring – fall/frost). Perennials are plants that live for more than two growing seasons. They die back in winter and re-emerge in spring. ...
Hardiness is the capacity of a cultivated plant to withstand adverse conditions, usually its tolerance of low temperature. Plants are given a hardiness rating by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 11 zones based on the coldest or warmest temperature...
Tropical plants are usually enjoyed for the summer and then discarded or brought indoors for the winter. Some tropicals go dormant in winter and can be kept in a dark cool place. They do need to be watered infrequently to keep their roots moist. Other...
Yes, you can overwater plants. Especially in pots but also in the ground, however, planting in the ground allows for better water dispersion so the odds of overwatering are less. Low lying areas may be more prone to flooding. Areas with clay soil also...
A rough estimate for the last frost date here in zone 4b is the first week of May. This is not exact, as Minnesota weather can be variable, but it does help for plantings.
Use ant repellents.  Terro = Grease Ants Revenge = Garden Ants NOTE: Before bringing...
Root stimulators provide a hormone to the root system to recover faster from any damage done during the transplant process. This will also help the roots grow faster and stronger. To view Gertens recommended root stimulator, click ...
Full sun is six or more hours of direct sunlight (Note: afternoon sun is the hottest). West side: plants that like it hot and dry.  Part sun is four to six hours of sunlight including some afternoon...
Mulch helps stabilizes soil moisture and temperature. Gertens experts recommend Red Cedar mulch, from that fact that the cedar oil repels soft body insects. Place mulch 2 ...
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