Pennisetum glaucum Purple Majesty (Ornamental Millet)

Incredibly showy, Pennisetum glaucum 'Purple Majesty' (Ornamental Millet) is a fast-growing annual grass forming a clump of strap-shaped, dark green leaves maturing to dark purple with exposure to the summer sun. In summer, the plant is embellished with stout, dark purple flower spikes, 8-12 in. long (20-30 cm), rising atop leafy dark purple stems. They give way to shiny purple seedheads that are very attractive to birds. The flower spikes can be cut and used in striking floral arrangements. Requiring very little care and providing striking color in the garden or patio, Pennisetum glaucum 'Purple Majesty' is stunning as a specimen or in groups. Very easy to grow, and tolerant of heat and drought, Purple Majesty is a compact, purple-leaved selection developed at the University of Nebraska.

• 2003 All America Selections Flower Winner
• Grows in 3-5 ft. tall (90-150 cm) and 2-3 ft. wide (60-90 cm)
• Performs best in full sun in light, moderately fertile, evenly moist, well-drained soils. Tolerant of dry soils and drought.
• Welcomed in any garden style, it is versatile and can be used as a specimen plant, in groups or en masse. It is ideal in beds and borders where it provides texture, color, and contrast, great in coastal gardens, cottage gardens, city gardens, and absolutely lovely in containers.
• No serious pest or disease issues.
• Treat as an annual and remove dead foliage and old flowered stems as plants fade.
• Plant in spring when the frosts have passed.
• Propagate by seed sown in containers in a warm glasshouse in spring.
• Pennisetum glaucum is a cultivated annual bunch grass native to Africa.