Pennisetum setaceum
rubrum is a garden favorite. This grass mixes very well with grey
plants. Here it is planted with Westringia and Helichrysum. I
cut the Red Fountain Grass each winter nearly to the ground. This
removes the dead material that can detract from the plants and provides a
fresh appearance. I often see Pennisetum setaceum rubrum
planted in locations that are too small for the plant. The Red
Fountain Grass can get 5 feet tall and wide. Red Fountain Grass is
hardy into the mid-twenties. I have had problems with Pennisetum
setaceum becoming a weed in too many settings, but the red cultivar is not
nearly so vigorous. One of the most effective plantings that I have
seen is a mass planting in a windy location. The Red Fountain Grass
can provide a lot of movement in the landscape.
High resolution images
of Pennisetum setaceum are available.
