Pennisetum advena 'Rubrum'

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fountain grass 'Rubrum'

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Synonyms

Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum'

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Grass Like
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'Rubrum' is a hybrid between P. macrostachyum and P. setaceum. Strappy, dark-red foliage emerges in spring, initially flushed green. Arching stems bear bottlebrush-shaped flowers in late summer to autumn, their silver and red plumes eventually becoming brown

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1–2 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
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
Columnar upright
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

Drought and heat tolerant, but requires frost-free conditions so will need winter protection or moving into an unheated glasshouse if grown in a pot

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Coastal
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Low Maintenance
  • Cut flowers

Pruning

Cut back last season's foliage in early spring

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free