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ornamental grass indoor plant

ornamental grass indoor plant Shop 'Purple Fountain Grass – Pennisetum setaceum rubrum' Care and Info

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ornamental grass indoor plant Shop 'Purple Fountain Grass – Pennisetum setaceum rubrum' Care and InfoThe Purple Fountain Grass, known as Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum', is a popular ornamental grass prized for its striking burgundy foliage and graceful, arching plumes. Native to Africa, it is known for its dramatic appearance in landscapes, this grass is often used in borders, containers, or as a focal point in garden beds. Its vibrant colors and texture make it a favorite among gardeners seeking to add visual specimen plants to outdoor spaces. Apart

The Purple Fountain Grass, known as Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum', is a popular ornamental grass prized for its striking burgundy foliage and graceful, arching plumes. Native to Africa, it is known for its dramatic appearance in landscapes, this grass is often used in borders, containers, or as a focal point in garden beds. Its vibrant colors and texture make it a favorite among gardeners seeking to add visual specimen plants to outdoor spaces.

Apart from the common name "Purple Fountain Grass," this plant may also be referred to simply as "Fountain Grass" or "Red Fountain Grass" due to its flowing, fountain-like shape and reddish hues

These names highlight its unique structure and color, setting it apart from other ornamental grasses. In addition to its beauty, this purple grass is heat-tolerant, low-maintenance, and drought-tolerant once established.

Its ability to thrive in hot, sunny conditions makes it a popular choice for warmer climates.

However, it is widely cultivated across many parts of the world, particularly in the U.S., where it is often grown as an annual in cooler zones or a perennial in warmer areas. 

The prominent feature of this Pennisetum Rubrum grass is its burgundy-purple foliage, which stands out in any garden. Its long, slender leaves grow in graceful arcs, and as the plant matures, it produces feathery flower spikes.  

The mature plants can grow up to 5 feet tall and spread to 4 feet. Its upright, fountain-like growth habit makes this purple ornamental grass an attractive statement plant in the landscape. In ideal conditions, it can grow quickly and produce a dense, bushy clump that adds both vertical and horizontal interest to garden designs. 

The flowers of purple fountain grass bloom during the early summer and fall with arching plumes of pinkish-purple flowers. These plumes appear in mid-to-late summer and persist well into the fall, providing several months of ornamental value. These flower plumes can grow up to 12-15 inches long and resemble soft, fluffy fountains that sway gently in the breeze. The flowers are particularly eye-catching when they catch the light, making them a beautiful addition to gardens or containers. While the flowers are sterile and will not reseed, they can be cut and used in dried flower arrangements. 

When and How to Water Your Purple Fountain Grass

The purple fountain grass is a drought-tolerant plant, it needs proper watering to establish and thrive, especially during its early growth stages. During the first few months after planting, regular watering is essential to ensure that the roots become well-established. Water the plant deeply about once a week, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. It's crucial to water the base of the plant, making sure moisture reaches deep into the root zone without causing the soil to remain soggy.

Once established, Purple Fountain Grass is highly drought-tolerant and will require much less water. In the spring and mid-summer, during the growing season, it can usually survive on natural rainfall alone in many regions. However, in periods of extended drought or particularly hot climates, it’s beneficial to water every couple of weeks to maintain lush growth and vibrant foliage. 

In the winter, when the plant goes dormant, watering should be reduced significantly. Too much moisture during this period can lead to root rot. The key to watering the purple grass plant is a balance between keeping the roots hydrated without oversaturating the soil, especially in well-drained environments that mimic its native conditions.

Light Requirements – Where to Place Your Purple Fountain Grass 

When planted indoors, place your purple fountain grass in a spot that receives bright, indirect sunlight for at least 6-8 hours a day. A sunny window or a room with ample natural light is ideal. If you notice the grass leaning towards the light source, rotate the pot occasionally to ensure even growth. 

For outdoor cultivation, purple fountain grass thrives in full sun, soaking up those rays to develop its signature rich color and graceful plumes. Plant it in a location where it can bask in the sun for most of the day. In warmer climates, some afternoon shade can be beneficial to protect the grass from scorching heat. Remember, adequate sunlight is key to promoting healthy growth and those stunning, cascading plumes.

By providing the right amount of light, whether indoors with bright, indirect sunlight or outdoors in full sun, you'll help your Pennisetum rubrum flourish and adorn your space with its elegant beauty. 

Optimal Soil & Fertilizer Needs 

The Purple fountain grass favors very airy, sandy soil that drains well. Planting them in ordinary soil will result in compacted roots, stunted growth, and most likely root rot. A mix of regular garden soil with some sand or perlite for improved drainage is ideal for purple fountain grass. Instead, make or buy a well-draining potting mix, or ideally use our specialized potting mix that contains 5 natural substrates and mycorrhizae to promote the development of a strong root system that helps your plant to thrive. 

When it comes to fertilizing, a balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can help promote healthy growth and vibrant foliage. During the growing season, which is typically spring, you can fertilize your Pennisetum rubrum once a year. Avoid over-fertilization, as this can result in excessive foliage growth at the expense of the plant's overall health. 

By providing well-draining soil and a balanced fertilizer regimen, you can support the growth and beauty of your purple fountain grass. Remember to adjust your fertilizing schedule based on the plant's needs and growth patterns. 

Hardiness Zone & More 

When grown indoors, it's essential to mimic its preferred environment. Keep the indoor temperature around 65-70°F during the day and slightly cooler at night. Maintaining a humidity level of around 50-70% can also benefit the plant, especially during the drier winter months when indoor air tends to be less humid. 

For outdoor cultivation, the purple fountain grass is typically suited for USDA zones 9-11, where temperatures remain above freezing. In these zones, the plant can be grown outdoors year-round, enjoying the warmth and long growing season. If you live in a cooler climate, you can still grow Pennisetum rubrum annually or overwinter it indoors to protect it from frost and cold temperatures. Be sure to bring it inside before the first frost if you choose to overwinter it. 

By understanding the temperature and humidity preferences of purple fountain grass both indoors and outdoors, you can create the optimal conditions for its growth and health. Whether you're cultivating it inside your home or in your garden, providing the right environment will help your Pennisetum rubrum thrive. 

Wildlife - Purple Fountain Grass attracts the following Friendly-Pollinators

The Purple fountain grass attracts pollinators such as bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and certain small insects, especially when planted alongside other pollinator-friendly plants. While it doesn’t produce nectar-rich flowers, its feathery, burgundy plumes offer a landing spot and sometimes temporary shelter for small insects. 

Butterflies
Bees
Hummingbirds
Lady Bugs
Multi Pollinators
Other Birds

Toxicity: Additionally, Purple Fountain Grass is considered non-toxic to pets and humans, making it a safe choice for households with dogs, cats, or children. Its ornamental beauty, combined with its non-toxic nature, adds to its appeal as a versatile and family-friendly garden plant.

Purple Fountain Grass Propagation 

To propagate your Pennisetum Rubrum, you can use division or purple fountain grass seeds. Division involves separating the plant into smaller sections, each with roots attached, and replanting them in suitable soil. This method is best done in the spring. Alternatively, you can collect seeds from the plant and sow them in a seed-starting mix indoors. Keep the soil consistently moist until the seeds germinate. Once the seedlings are established, you can transplant them outdoors. Both methods can be successful in propagating purple fountain grass and expanding your plant collection.

Key Takeaways 

  1. The Purple Fountain Grass is a stunning, low-maintenance ornamental grass perfect for adding a pop of color and texture to gardens and landscapes.
  2. It features deep purple foliage and a graceful, arching habit that attracts birds and butterflies.
  3. This drought-tolerant and heat-resistant grass thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil.
  4. Regular watering and annual fertilization keep it healthy and vibrant.
  5. Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain its shape and promote new growth.
  6. Order now from your local nursery or online plant retailer and enjoy the beauty and benefits of this stunning ornamental grass!

Final Thoughts 

With its exceptional ability to thrive in extremely dry conditions, making it a top choice for water-conscious gardeners, the Purple Fountain Grass is a true gem for any outdoor space. Makes a strong impression in clusters, mass plantings, and along slopes. Its regal, velvety foliage adds a touch of sophistication and elegance, while its effortless, flowing shape creates a sense of movement and energy. Adding purple fountain grass to your landscaping design or growing it in containers can add a vibrant pop of color and texture, making it a perfect choice for those looking to elevate their outdoor space with a low-maintenance, high-impact element.  Whether used as a statement piece or a subtle accent, this remarkable grass is sure to captivate and inspire, providing a beautiful and low-maintenance solution for gardeners of all skill levels. 

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Verified Purchase
L. Moyse
Grantham, US
★★★★★ 5
A fine performance
Format: Paperback
You see an old pocket knife on the cover, maybe a Case; it may have even belonged to Jesse Graves, but he has certainly used it in sculpting his poetry. "Tennessee Landscape" is pure plain speech, and all the more evocative for it. Graves uses language not to shock, not incite and not to transgress; he uses it to bring home simple and time worn truths that never go away. In the poem that is the book's title, Graves recounts his family history and ends telling us "The dead move through us at their will, their voices chime/just beyond our hearing...alone in the field, and never alone." He pays homage to a farming tool"(Elegy for a Hay Rake), not with a tone of jaundiced cynicism, speaking to it instead in a voice filled with thanks and appreciation, as if the hay rake, too,knew how worthwhile its job had been. The second part of the volume expands Graves' geography from East Tennessee to New Orleans, North Carolina, points beyond, and the cast of subjects becomes a little broader as well, but the language remains firm and precise. "The Night Cafe: North Rendon, New Orleans": diction so perfect I feel I was there that night too. "My Sister at Sea": likely my favorite here. It feels personal, a short glimpse into a private heart; the glimpse is snatched away in a hurry but not before Graves tells us "...wishing I could bring/ you to this shore...Make your illness a small boat we could burn/Sailing out in ashes on the current." Whether it is a landscape, a hay rake, a bar or a loved one, Jesse Graves is a poet of things that last, one who writes quiet confessions with confidence in a spare quiet and sure voice. Very highly recommend this book.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2013
T
Thomas A. Holmes
Carnegie, US
★★★★★ 5
Fine Contemporary Poetry--Just Happens to Be Appalachian
Format: Paperback
The poems in Jesse Graves' TENNESSEE LANDSCAPE WITH BLIGHTED PINE express an indebtedness to a way of life that we contemporary Appalachians have watched transform at an accelerated pace over the past few decades, as we see the beloved old ways of our culture adapt to the demands of a society marked with the pervasiveness of media, the incursion of corporate demands, and the poignant recognition that as much as family prepares us to face the world outside our community, the impact of that world can blur the impressions our homes have made on us. Graves' work approaches these themes from various directions, as a son looking to the legacy of his family, as a youth and young man balancing education--both formal and that gleaned from personal experience--and as a family man weighing what he shares and offers in embodying those values. In this consistently fine volume, it is difficult to select favorites, but there are "River Gods," where an inebriated student and his companion cross the high railway trestle over the Tennessee River in Knoxville, Tennessee, "Deep Corner," where the speaker contemplates how his life has turned out differently than his brother's, "Mother's Milk," where the speaker weighs how much his mother has contributed to his life (including, sweetly, "an ear for slightly off-pitch singing"), and "Digging the Pond," where the speaker and his father silently acknowledge that the son will not preserve all his father's values: . . . I stood off to the side too often to learn what he was born knowing. The doing and the undoing. I can find in his face what he reads about the future in the tea-colored water, his eyes and mine trying to avoid it. Graves' love for these gifts, those accepted and those only acknowledged, resonates throughout TENNESSEE LANDSCAPE WITH BLIGHTED PINE. Graves' appreciation for lyric poetry, his talent for finding the expressiveness of everyday language, and his offering scenes with great depth of meaning and feeling make this collection memorable, worthy of high recommendation.
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Reviewed in the United States on December 30, 2011
J
jwriter
Lake Worth, US
★★★★★ 5
Extraordinary Journey
Format: Paperback
Jesse Graves conducts the reader on an intimate journey from childhood to manhood. Rooted deep in the rich red clay of East Tennessee, the narrative provides fresh insights about the ties of land and family. "Johnson's Ground" describes an annual homecoming at the family cemetery: "they never let us go, even the ones/Laid under before our births continue to make their claims." The poems express both nostalgia for the past as well as forward-looking hopes for a fresh life in the future. Daughter, Chloe often becomes a bridge from present to past as in "Water Washing Away": "A fair price for the vision of a girl/ who has warped the ancient spell of time,/ who has turned back my eyes." Tennessee Landscape with Blighted Pine is an enchanting read for poet and non-poet alike.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 10, 2013
A
Verified Purchase
Austin Duck
Pawtucket, US
★★★★★ 1
Go Read Art Smith or Charles Wright
Format: Paperback
This book is clearly the case of someone steeped in a lyric tradition, but, rather than engaging in the self-reflexive structure of the tradition, is interested in describing ad nauseum, his southern experience. While there are moments in the book that tend toward the sublime, it rests largely as self-indulgent in a way antithetical to the form it chooses.
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Reviewed in the United States on November 5, 2013
A
Angels Among Us
Los Angeles, US
★★★★★ 5
Dr. G.
Format: Paperback
Jesse Graves (a.k.a. "Dr. G.") is one of my professors at East Tennessee State University. Not only is he a great teacher, he is a very talented poet. I would recommend his work to anyone! Anyone that does not like his work probably just failed his class. :p
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Reviewed in the United States on August 25, 2014

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