Description

Purple Wheat grass (Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubrum’) is probably one of the most popular. The purple or burgundy-colored foliage and soft, fuzzy-like blooms (which are followed by purplish seedheads) make a bold statement in the garden—on their own or grouped with other plantings. Growing purple fountain grass is easy and requires little maintenance once established.

Characteristics:

While purple Wheat-grass is known as a perennial, it is actually considered a tender perennial. This ornamental grass cannot survive cold winters and is hardy only in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 9 and warmer (though in Zones 7-8 it can sometimes reappear given adequate winter protection). Therefore, it is important that this be a consideration prior to planting purple fountain grass, as the likelihood of its return each year in zones 6 or lower is slim to none. In fact, in cooler regions the plant is normally treated as an annual instead. Purple Wheat-grass (Agropyron biflorum), a mountain species, is of smaller growth, bearing shorter leaves and smaller spikes, the latter usually tinged with purple.

Medicinal Uses:

Purple Wheat grass is pretty resistant to pests and diseases. That being said, there are a few more common issues you should keep an eye out for when planting this ornamental in your landscape. The most common, fungus, is due to trapped moisture or humidity between the dense clumps of grass, so make sure to place your plants several feet apart from one another to increase airflow.