Pennisetum setaceum Fireworks (Purple Fountain Grass)

Incredibly showy, Pennisetum setaceum ‘Fireworks’ (Purple Fountain Grass) is a clump-forming, warm season grass boasting erect to arching linear leaves. Flat, the leaves are brilliantly variegated with longitudinal stripes of burgundy-red, hot-pink, green and white.

Incredibly showy, Pennisetum setaceum 'Fireworks' (Purple Fountain Grass) is a clump-forming, warm season grass boasting erect to arching linear leaves. Flat, the leaves are brilliantly variegated with longitudinal stripes of burgundy-red, hot-pink, green and white. In mid to late summer, long crimson plumes, 12 in. (30 cm), are held on arching stems above the foliage. They gradually fade to pale brown in the fall. Requiring very little care and providing striking color as well as graceful movement in the garden or patio, 'Fireworks' is sterile and does not set seeds. Heat and drought tolerant, this warm season grass is stunning as a specimen or in groups. Evergreen in mild winter areas.

  • Grows in 3-4 ft. tall (90-120 cm) and 2-3 ft. wide (60-90 cm)
  • Performs best in full sun in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Provide consistent water throughout the growing season. Protect from strong winds.
  • 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.
  • Tender, it is mostly grown as an annual in cool climate areas.
  • No serious pest or disease issues. Deer resistant!
  • Cut back old foliage to the ground in late winter.
  • Propagate by division in spring.

Requirements

Hardiness 9
– 11

Heat Zones 8
– 12

Climate Zones 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Ornamental Grasses
Plant Family Pennisetum – Fountain Grasses
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)Fall
Height 3'
– 4'
(90cm
– 120cm)
Spread 2'
– 3'
(60cm
– 90cm)
Spacing 36″ (90cm)
Water Needs Low, Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Drought
Attracts Birds
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage