Pennisetum 'Rubrum'
Pennisetum 'Rubrum'
Pennisetum 'Rubrum'
Pennisetum 'Rubrum'
Pennisetum 'Rubrum'
Pennisetum 'Rubrum'
Pennisetum 'Rubrum'
Pennisetum 'Rubrum'
Pennisetum 'Rubrum'

Pennisetum 'Rubrum'

"Fountain grass"

Pennisetum 'Rubrum'

1 bare root — £6.90

Spring planting season is currently closed 
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Delivery schedule

Orders placed until 29 February 2025
You can expect your order in February/March 2025

Orders placed 1 March - 15 April 2025
You can expect your order in March/April 2025

Orders placed 16 April - 15 May 2025
You can expect your order within 10 business days

Available for (pre)ordering again in December
Free delivery on UK orders over £50
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Shipping to the UK

UK orders over £50
Free shipping

UK orders under £50
£4.99

Northern Ireland orders under £50
£5.99

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Description

Enjoy the ruby glow and gently swaying stems of ever-popular Pennisetum 'Rubrum' in your own garden. It’s easy to grow and in the right spot it will thrive, gradually forming a clump which will produce a mass of soft, fluffy flowers which waft in the breeze and fill the space with tranquil energy through summer and autumn. Its sumptuous, dark chocolate-burgundy, soft, grassy foliage provides colour for an incredibly long season, starting in spring and continuing into autumn. This perennial ornamental grass loves to bask in the sun. To add to the show, try combining Pennisetum advena 'Rubrum' with other sun-loving perennials like Echinacea, Rudbeckia, Sedum, heleniums and Verbena – watch as the display matures over the years into a perfect prairie patch!

If you prefer to keep things simple and contemporary, Pennisetum 'Rubrum' can do that too. Plant these fountain grass in groups in large containers, gravel areas or modern troughs and it will look incredible through the season all by itself. When mature this ornamental grass grows to approximately 1m tall. Pennisetum advena 'Rubrum' is perfect for coastal areas or places with light soil and mild winters. It can tolerate temperatures down to around -5°C, so you may need to offer it protection, such as a thick layer of mulch, during winter cold snaps. In cold climates, a hardier ornamental grass like Panicum would be a good alternative.  

Key features

  • Good for cutting

  • Comes back every year

  • Attractive to wildlife

  • In peat-free compost

  • Low maintenance

  • RHS Award (AGM)

  • Drought tolerant

  • May need winter cover

  • Rodent resistant

Specs & details

  • Botanical name

    Pennisetum advena 'Rubrum'

  • Flower colour

    Red, purple, brown

  • Plant size

    3/5

  • Established height

    70cm-1m

  • Established spread

    70cm-1m

  • Plant spacing

    5 plants per m2

  • Leaf colour

    Green

  • Habit

    Upright
    Clump-forming

  • Life cycle

    Perennial

  • Hardiness

    Half hardy

  • Years to establish

    2-3 years

  • Sunlight

    Full sun

  • Position

    Sheltered
    Exposed

  • Suitable for

    Borders
    Coastal gardens
    Cottage gardens
    Gravel gardens
    Large containers
    Low maintenance gardens
    Cut flower gardens
    Wildlife gardens

  • Soil acidity

    Any

  • Soil moisture

    Free draining
    Dry

  • Soil type

    Loam
    Sandy
    Loam-based compost
    Multipurpose compost
    Stony

  • Growing skill

    Easy to grow

  • Scented

    No

  • Pollinator-friendly

    No

  • Mouse resistant

    Yes

  • Rabbit resistant

    Yes

  • Deer resistant

    Yes

  • Toxicity

    No report

Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
  • Planting
  • Flowering

Useful information

    • Soak the Pennisetum 'Rubrum' roots in water for 3-6 hours prior to planting

    • Plant your "Fountain grass" bare roots into temporary pots with a multipurpose compost in spring and grow-on in a sheltered spot outdoors

    • Choose a pot which comfortably fits the bare roots. Some have a noticeable crown which should be just below the soil surface with any top growth exposed. Some varieties are a length of root which should be planted lengthways and shallowly (1-2cm deep).

    • Plant out into borders or permanent containers in late spring or early summer once in full growth. Choose a position in sun or shade depending on the variety.

    Read all planting & care instructions

  • Orders placed until 29 February 2025
    You can expect your order in February/March 2025

    Orders placed 1 March - 15 April 2025
    You can expect your order in March/April 2025

    Orders placed 16 April - 15 May 2025
    You can expect your order within 10 business days

Perennials in 1 minute

The beauty of perennial plants doesn’t just lie in their long-lasting flowers and sturdy, resilient nature, but it’s their sheer determination to keep on coming back stronger every year —in year one they’re good, but in future years they’re even better!

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