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Pennisetum alopecuroides Red Head
Red Head Fountain Grass
Deep purple buds mature to smoky-purple plumes and the cool temperatures bring out gold tones in the green foliage. In late fall, cut the foliage almost to the ground to help promote spring growth.
- » Forms a dense, mounding clump of dark green foliage
- » Deep purple buds mature to a smokey-purple
- » Soft bottlebrush-like flower spikes spray through the foliage in every direction
- » Foliage turns shades of rich golden-yellow and orange in the fall
- » Very impressive in a mass planting
- » Bloom Time: Midsummer to mid-fall
- » Flower Height: 125 cm
- » Foliage Height: 100 cm
- » Flower Size: 20-25 cm
- » Grass Type: Warm Season
Exposure
| • | Full Sun |
Attracts Wildlife
| • | Attracts Birds |
Growth Rate
| • | Medium |
Critter
| • | Deer Resistant |
Attributes
| • | Cut Flower/Foliage |
| • | Deciduous |
| • | Dried Flower/Foliage |
| • | Heat Tolerant |
| • | Long Blooming |
| • | Low Maintenance |
Foliage Color
| • | Green (dark) |
Planting instructions
| • | Container Plants |
Additional Information about Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Red Head'
Warm Season Grasses: These grasses are much slower starting in the spring. They do not push new growth until temperatures warm in early to midsummer. They flower later in the summer or fall with most blooms remaining into the winter. Most warm season grasses tolerate heat, humidity and drought; some even thrive in these conditions.
Growing & Maintenance Tips for Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Red Head'
This cultivar freely self-seeds and can become invasive. Cutting off the flower stalks before the seed is produced is recommended. Grows best in a moist, well-drained soil, in full sun to light shade. If planted in too much shade this grass will not flourish and may not flower. Foliage should be cut back to about 10 cm in early spring to allow for new growth.