Pennisetum glaucum 'Purple Majesty'
pearl millet 'Purple Majesty'
Fast-growing annual grass to about 1.5m tall, forming a large clump of broadly strap-shaped, dark green leaves with purple midribs, maturing to purple-black. Stout, upright, dark purple bottlebrush-like flower panicles produced on leafy stems in summer are followed by shiny purple seedheads, the seeds are very attractive to birds
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Purple | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple | Purple Black | ||
| Autumn | Purple Red | Purple | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Poaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Pennisetum can be annual or perennial, evergreen or deciduous grasses, clump-forming or spreading in habit, with linear leaves and narrow flowering panicles with conspicuous bristles
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in a light, moderately fertile, well-drained soil, planting out in spring when the frosts have passed. See ornamental grasses cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in containers in a warm glasshouse in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Gravel garden
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Patio and container plants
- Wildlife gardens
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cut flowers
- Flower borders and beds
- Bedding
Pruning
Treat as an annual and remove dead foliage and old flowered stems as plants fade
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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