Pennisetum 'Rubrum' Fountain Grass
Best low-maintenance ornamental for adding dramatic seasonal color to garden landscapes.
Pennisetum 'Rubrum', commonly known as Red Fountain Grass, is a striking ornamental grass that adds vibrant color and texture to any landscape. Its deep burgundy-red foliage and feathery plumes create a dramatic visual appeal from late summer through fall. This fast-growing, low-maintenance plant is deer-resistant and thrives in full sun, making it a versatile choice for beds, borders, and containers. It's often grown as an annual in cooler climates, offering season-long interest and a late-season food source for birds.
$21.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
837
/ 3086
#837 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-21%
Below average
Genus
Pennisetum
/ Pennisetum
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking high-impact, long-lasting seasonal color
- Busy homeowners wanting low-maintenance, drought-tolerant landscaping
- Container gardeners looking for a striking, vibrant centerpiece
Who should skip it
- Cold-climate gardeners wanting permanent, year-round perennial plantings
- Shade-garden owners lacking intense, direct sunlight
- Small-space gardeners with limited room for large, spreading plants
Performance breakdown
Visual Impact
Deep burgundy foliage provides dramatic, high-contrast texture for any garden bed.
Maintenance Ease
Low-effort growth habit makes it ideal for busy, modern landscapes.
Wildlife Utility
Feathery plumes offer a reliable late-season food source for local birds.
Climate Versatility
Thrives as a perennial in warm zones but requires annual replacement elsewhere.
Pest Resistance
Reliably deer-resistant, keeping your garden safe from common browsing wildlife.
Adaptability
Tolerates a wide range of soil types from sandy to clay.
Key Specs
Genus
Pennisetum
Species
setaceum
Variety
'Rubrum'
Mature Height
4 Feet
Mature Width
3 Feet
Light Requirements
Full Sun/Partial Shade
Moisture Requirements
Moist, well-drained
Hardiness Zones
9 - 10
Features
- Striking burgundy-red foliage and plumes
- Gracefully arching flower stalks
- Provides late-season bird food
- Deer resistant and low maintenance
- Versatile for beds, borders, and containers
- Awarded RHS Award of Garden Merit
- Non-invasive, does not set seed
- Tolerates various soil types
What customers say
Gardeners rave about the Pennisetum 'Rubrum' for its striking visual appeal and dependable growth. Its deep burgundy foliage and elegant plumes are consistently praised for adding dramatic color and transforming garden spaces. Many reviewers appreciate its surprising vigor and simple establishment, noting it thrives even when planted young. This fountain grass offers exceptional beauty with minimal effort, proving to be a rewarding choice for those desiring impactful color and reliable performance. It is a clear favorite for its low maintenance and high aesthetic quality, delivering impressive results season after season.
Know before you buy
This grass is hardy only in zones 9 and 10. In cooler climates, it is typically grown as an annual and will not survive freezing winter temperatures.
Since this variety reaches a mature width of 3 feet, you should space them at least 3 feet apart to allow for proper air circulation and to accommodate their full, arching growth habit.
No, Pennisetum 'Rubrum' is considered non-invasive. It does not set viable seed, so you do not need to worry about it spreading uncontrollably through your garden beds.
Yes, its upright, arching habit makes it an excellent choice for large containers. Ensure the pot has good drainage and is large enough to support a plant that reaches 4 feet in height.
For the most vibrant foliage and consistent blooming, plant it in a location that receives full sun. While it can tolerate partial shade, the color may be less intense and the growth less robust.
Yes, Pennisetum 'Rubrum' is generally avoided by deer. While no plant is 100% deer-proof, its texture and growth habit make it a reliable choice for gardens in areas with high deer pressure.
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