Pennisetum 'Purple Millet'

Grass Like Annual Biennial

Tender perennial grass, usually grown as an annual to 90cm tall, with dark green stems and leaves turning to deep purple as it matures, especially if grown in full sun. Fluffy purple spikelets in upright panicles produced on leafy stems in mid to late summer

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1 year
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 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
  • 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