Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Red Head' |
 |
 Loading Image(s)...
![]()
Photo Courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc.
|
|
| | Common Name: Grass-Ornamental
Common Name (Alternative): Red Head Fountain Grass |
Selected by Brent Horvath of Intrinsic Perennials from among P. 'National Arboretum', 'Red Head' is an earlier flowering form of P. alopecuroides. It begins to show its huge, bottlebrush plumes in mid to late summer. Deep purple buds mature to smoky purple plumes that can measure a whopping 3" wide by 8-10" long! The cool temperatures of fall bring out gold tones in the green foliage. The combination of foliage and flower remains attractive for several months.
Breeder: Brent Horvath
Introducer: Intrinsic Perennial Gardens
Origin: Not Native to North America
Characteristics:
Height:
4-5 Feet
Spread:
4-5 Feet
Flower Color:
Purple shades
Foliage Color:
Green shades
Sun or Shade?:
Full sun (> 6 hrs. direct sun)
Wet or dry?:
Low water needs
Average water needs
Need critter resistant plants?:
Deer resistant
How fast should it grow?:
Medium
When should it bloom?:
Midsummer
Late summer
How's your soil?:
Average Soil
Fertile Soil
Sweet or Sour Soil?:
Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0)
Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0)
What's your garden style?:
Container/Patio
Eclectic
Pennisetum prefers to be grown in rich loamy soil with good drainage and full sun or light shade. However, it will grow in rocky or sandy soil as long as it remains fairly moist. This grass resents having "wet feet". This species may be propagated by seed or division.