Extension Communications
3614 Administrative Services Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3614
(515) 294-9915
8/29/02
Reiman's Pick
For August 29, 2002.
Purple Fountain Grass a Standout in the Garden
By Linda Naeve
Extension Coordinator, Reiman Gardens
Earlier this summer, visitors to Iowa State University's Reiman Gardens enjoyed the colorful annuals and ever-changing look of the perennial gardens. This time of year, some plants that were overlooked earlier take center stage in the garden. One of those is this week's "Reiman's Pick" - Purple Fountain Grass, Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum'. In June and early July, the foliage provided a good contrast and an attractive background plant for annual flowers. However, now that it's blooming, purple fountain grass seems to jump out at visitors and attract more attention and questions than any other plant.
In recent years, ornamental grasses have become very popular in gardens and landscapes. They provide a variation of texture and form to the garden. They also add movement, as they sway rhythmically in the summer breezes. Fountain grass, with its upright mounding form and large plumes that rise out of the center like a squirt of water from a fountain, is a very symmetrical plant. This makes it an excellent specimen plant in the garden, and its uniformity creates a beautiful mass or group planting.
Purple fountain grass adds a unique color dimension to gardens due the rich burgundy-red color of its leaves, stems and flower plumes. The plumes, called racemes, grow to 12 inches long and arch gracefully above the dark foliage in late summer. The burgundy leaves blend perfectly with many coleus varieties. It contrasts beautifully with green or yellow-leafed plants and is striking with the pink, burgundy or red flowers of geraniums, vinca, verbena and roses. Purple fountain grass grows up to four feet tall and works well as a background plant or a specimen in the center of an island bed. The height, form and color of purple fountain grass give large container gardens a dramatic effect. If you need something a bit shorter, select 'Rubrum Dwarf,' a compact form that only grows 30 to 36 inches tall. The large plumes of purple fountain grass also look beautiful in fresh flower arrangements. Unfortunately, the plumes shatter easily and don't dry well for use in dried arrangements.
Although some species of fountain grass are hardy in Iowa, purple fountain grass is not. It is hardy only as far north as zone 8, so is considered an annual in Iowa. Don't let that stop you from growing it. It grows quickly and will make a strong statement all season. Plant it after the threat of frost is past in full sun to partial shade and in well-drained soil. Although it thrives in hot weather, it needs soil that is kept moderately moist, but not soggy. After a killing frost in the fall, empty containers of purple fountain grass onto the compost pile. Those growing in the garden can be left standing long into the fall to provide a focal point in the winter landscape. Purple fountain grass leaves fade to amber and stand upright until flattened and buried by heavy snow.
Purple fountain grass plants are readily available in the spring at garden centers and from mail order or online nursery sources. Purchase small plants early in the season for the best value and availability. If you wait until later, the plants that are available will be larger and much more expensive. Another good tip: buy a few more than you think you will need. This spring, I thought a clerk at a local garden center was only kidding when he asked me why I was buying just one purple fountain grass plant. He suggested that I might want to purchase more. I didn't, and found out he wasn't kidding; I should have bought a few more. Next year I will know better.
There are many examples of how purple fountain grass can be integrated into annual and perennial beds and combined with other plants in large containers throughout Reiman Gardens.
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