Pennisetum glaucum 'Purple Baron'

RHS Plant Profile
pearl millet 'Purple Baron'
Grass Like Annual Biennial

Fast-growing annual grass about 1.5m tall, forming a large clump of broadly strap-shaped, dark green leaves maturing to dark mahogany-purple in summer. Stout, upright, tan to gold bottlebrush-like flower panicles produced on leafy stems in summer, followed by shiny purple seedheads, the seeds are very attractive to birds

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

1-1.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1 year
Max Spread
1-1.5 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical 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
Unresolved

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

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Patio and container plants
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Bedding
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Treat as an annual and remove dead foliage and old flowered stems as plants fade

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free