Pennisetum 'Rubrum' (Annual)

Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum': Deep Drama and Flowing Form

Renowned for its rich colour and flowing texture, Pennisetum 'Rubrum' adds bold contrast and tropical flair to garden beds and containers. This heat-loving, fast-growing fountain grass features narrow, arching burgundy foliage that catches the light and sways gracefully in the breeze. From midsummer onward, long, smoky-purple bottlebrush plumes rise above the mound, softening the bold leaf colour with airy elegance. Though not hardy in colder regions, it thrives as a stunning annual accent in Canadian gardens.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 90–120 cm (in flower)
• Spread: 60–90 cm
• Flower Colour: Smoky purple to soft tan
• Flowering Period: Midsummer to frost
• Foliage: Deep burgundy, arching blades; remains colourful until frost
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained soil; appreciates regular moisture

Uses and Benefits: 'Rubrum' is ideal for adding rich colour and movement to containers, annual borders, and summer displays. Its bold foliage plays beautifully against vibrant perennials and foliage plants, while its plumes offer softness and vertical interest. Fast-growing and low maintenance, it creates instant impact and thrives in the heat of summer.

Companion Plants: Pair Pennisetum 'Rubrum' with Salvia nemorosa 'May Night' for deep violet-blue blooms that intensify its moody tones. Add Heliopsis helianthoides 'Burning Hearts' for dark stems and fiery gold-and-red daisies that echo and contrast the grass’s colour. Weave in Sedum 'Lime Zinger' at the base for a pop of chartreuse with a pink blush that brightens the planting and softens the edge.

Care Instructions: Grow in full sun and well-drained soil. Water regularly, especially in containers or hot, dry weather. Not winter hardy in most Canadian climates—treat as an annual or overwinter indoors in a bright, frost-free space. Cut back before bringing inside or compost at season’s end.

History: Native to tropical Africa and Asia, Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum' gained popularity as a vibrant ornamental for summer landscapes. Though not perennial in cold zones, its unmatched foliage colour and long bloom time have made it a seasonal favourite worldwide.

Final Thoughts: Bold, breezy, and unforgettable, Pennisetum 'Rubrum' adds fiery flair to summer plantings—bringing colour, motion, and tropical drama to the garden’s sunniest spots.