Pennisetum advena 'Fireworks'PBR (v)

RHS Plant Profile
fountain grass 'Fireworks'

Synonyms

Pennisetum setaceum 'Fireworks'

Grass Like

A clump-forming, deciduous grass, to 1.2m tall, with erect to arching leaves. The linear, flat leaves are coloured burgundy-red with pink margins but where shaded from full light leaves are green with white margins. In late summer, red flower plumes are held on arching stems gradually fading to brown in the autumn

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
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
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

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • 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