Pennisetum x advena 'Rubrum' (Red fountain grass)

Botanical name

Pennisetum x advena 'Rubrum'

Other names

Red fountain grass, Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum', Purple fountain grass

Genus

Pennisetum Pennisetum

Variety or Cultivar

'Rubrum' _ 'Rubrum' is a frost hardy, clump-forming, deciduous, perennial grass, often grown as an annual, with long, upright to arching, flat or rolled, maroon to dark red leaves, flushed green in spring. Narrow, nodding panicles of long-bristled, reddish-purple flower spikelets bloom from midsummer into autumn.

Native to

Garden origin

Foliage

Deciduous

Habit

Clump-forming

Awards

RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit)

Colour

Flower

Reddish-purple in Summer; Reddish-purple in Autumn

Foliage

Maroon, Flushed green in Spring; Maroon in Summer; Maroon in Autumn

General care

Pruning

Cut back in early spring.

Propagation methods

Division

Monthly care advice

Where to grow

Pennisetum x advena 'Rubrum' (Red fountain grass) will reach a height of 1.5m and a spread of 1.2m after 1-2 years.

Suggested uses

Drought Tolerant, Cottage/Informal, Containers, Coastal, City, Beds and borders, Flower Arranging, Low Maintenance, Prairie planting

Cultivation

Plant in light, moderately fertile, well-drained soil in a sheltered, sunny site. Tolerates drought and heat. In frost-prone areas, needs winter protection or overwintering indoors. May be evergreen or semi-evergreen in areas with mild winters.

Soil type

Loamy, Sandy

Soil drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Full Sun

Aspect

South, West

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Tender in frost (H3)

USDA zones

Zone 11, Zone 10, Zone 9, Zone 8

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Pennisetum x advena 'Rubrum' (Red fountain grass)

Common pest name

Rice leaf nematode; Strawberry crimp disease nematode; White tip nematode; White tip nematode of rice

Scientific pest name

Aphelenchoides besseyi

Type

Nematode

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Damaging nematode affecting rice crops and strawberry production in warmer climates; could potentially present a threat to strawberry production and ornamental production in protected environments. But modern production practices seem to reduce likelihood of impacts. Pest is also regulated at EU level; which reduces likelihood of entry.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/