Dwarf Purple Fountain Grass

Pennisetum setaceum 'Dwarf Rubrum'

Nature Hills Nursery

Hardy in zones 9-11, grown as an annual in colder zones where it provides vibrant seasonal color
Compact form reaches just 2-3 feet tall and wide, perfect for containers and smaller garden spaces
Rich burgundy-purple foliage topped with graceful rose-pink plumes from early summer through fall
Drought tolerant once established with minimal maintenance needs and excellent heat resistance

$15⁸²

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Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Requires at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily for best color and fullest growth. Plants grown in partial shade will develop leggy growth with muted foliage color and fewer plumes.

Soil: Thrives in average, well-drained soil. For heavy clay, work in coarse sand or plant in raised beds to improve drainage. This grass tolerates a range of soil types including sandy and rocky conditions as long as water drains freely. Avoid consistently wet or waterlogged areas.

Watering Requirements

Water deeply two to three times per week during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. Once established, this grass becomes quite drought tolerant and typically needs water only once per week during dry periods. Container plantings need more frequent watering than in-ground plants. Consistent moisture produces the most vigorous growth and richest foliage color, but avoid soggy conditions.

Pruning Tips

No pruning required during the growing season. In zones where this grass acts as an annual, simply remove the entire plant after frost kills it back. In zones 9-11 where it returns as a perennial, cut the foliage back to 4-6 inches in late winter before new growth emerges. This keeps plants tidy and encourages fresh, vibrant growth each spring.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring when new growth appears. A light feeding promotes healthy foliage color and abundant plumes. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers that push excessive leaf growth at the expense of the ornamental plumes. Container plantings benefit from monthly feeding with diluted liquid fertilizer during the active growing season.

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Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

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Dwarf Purple Fountain Grass (Pennisetum setaceum 'Cupreum') delivers all the drama of its full-sized cousin in a more compact package that fits beautifully in smaller gardens and containers. This ornamental grass forms a tidy mound of deep burgundy-purple foliage that arches gracefully outward, creating a fountain-like silhouette that moves beautifully with every breeze.

Year-Round Interest and Landscape Appeal

From early summer through fall, soft rose-pink plumes emerge on slender stems that dance above the burgundy foliage. These bottlebrush-like flower heads add textural interest and create stunning focal points in borders, rock gardens, and mixed containers. The compact 2-3 foot size makes this grass manageable for foundation plantings, pathway edging, and mass plantings where its rich color creates bold drifts of texture.

In zones 9-11 where this grass returns year after year, it maintains its semi-evergreen foliage through mild winters. In colder zones, gardeners embrace Dwarf Purple Fountain Grass as a fast-growing annual that provides months of spectacular color before frost. Its rapid growth means you get a fully mature specimen in a single growing season.

Versatile Garden Performance

This grass excels in hot, sunny locations where many plants struggle. Its drought tolerance once established makes it ideal for xeriscaping, water-wise gardens, and low-maintenance landscapes. The burgundy foliage creates striking color combinations when paired with bright chartreuse foliage, silver artemisia, or bold orange and yellow flowers. Use it as a thriller in mixed containers where its upright form and rich color anchor entire arrangements.

Wildlife Value and Garden Benefits

Hummingbirds visit the plumes for nesting material, and the flowers attract small beneficial insects. The dense clumping habit provides shelter for ground-dwelling beneficial insects. Deer and rabbits typically avoid this grass, making it reliable in areas with browsing pressure. Unlike its parent species, this cultivar rarely sets viable seed, so it stays where you plant it without spreading throughout the garden.

Dwarf Purple Fountain Grass combines low-maintenance durability with showstopping ornamental appeal. Whether grown as a returning perennial in warm climates or replanted each season in colder zones, this grass delivers reliable garden performance with minimal fuss.

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Growing Zones 9-11

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Frequently Asked Questions

What planting zones is Dwarf Purple Fountain Grass hardy in?

Dwarf Purple Fountain Grass is hardy in zones 9-11 as a perennial where it maintains semi-evergreen foliage through mild winters. In colder zones, grow it as a fast-growing annual that reaches full maturity in one season. Plant after last frost for best results.

How tall and wide does Dwarf Purple Fountain Grass grow at maturity?

Dwarf Purple Fountain Grass reaches 2-3 feet tall and wide at maturity, forming a compact mound with arching foliage. The grass achieves full size in a single growing season, making it perfect for containers and smaller garden spaces. Shop Nature Hills for this versatile ornamental grass.

What type of soil does Dwarf Purple Fountain Grass prefer?

Dwarf Purple Fountain Grass thrives in well-draining soil and tolerates poor, sandy, or rocky conditions once established. It's quite adaptable to various soil types but performs best when drainage is good. Avoid heavy clay or constantly wet soils, which can cause root rot.

How often should I water Dwarf Purple Fountain Grass once established?

Once established, Dwarf Purple Fountain Grass is drought tolerant and needs minimal watering. This makes it excellent for xeriscaping and low-maintenance gardens. Water deeply but infrequently during extended dry periods, allowing soil to dry between waterings.

When does Dwarf Purple Fountain Grass bloom and what color are the flowers?

Dwarf Purple Fountain Grass produces soft rose-pink bottlebrush-like plumes from early summer through fall. These delicate flower heads emerge on slender stems above the burgundy foliage, creating beautiful movement and textural contrast. Shop at Nature Hills for this reliable bloomer.

Is Dwarf Purple Fountain Grass deer resistant?

Yes, Dwarf Purple Fountain Grass is deer resistant. Deer and rabbits typically avoid this ornamental grass, making it a reliable choice for gardens with browsing pressure. Plant it in areas where deer frequent your landscape for worry-free color and texture.

Does this grass need to be cut back annually?

Cut back Dwarf Purple Fountain Grass in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. In zones 9-11 where it's perennial, trim to 4-6 inches above ground level. In colder zones where it's grown as an annual, simply remove after frost kills the foliage.

Does this grass need fertilizer and how often should it be applied?

Dwarf Purple Fountain Grass thrives without regular fertilization in most garden soils. A light application of balanced fertilizer in spring can boost growth, but avoid over-fertilizing which reduces the rich burgundy color. Focus on good drainage instead.