Pennisetum 'Red Head'
Best low-maintenance ornamental grass for deer-resistant landscape texture.
Elevate your landscape with Pennisetum 'Red Head', a striking ornamental grass offering multi-season appeal. This perennial grass boasts smoky purple, bottlebrush plumes that emerge in mid to late summer, reaching 8 to 10 inches long. Its slender foliage transitions from green to warm gold tones in the fall, providing continuous visual interest. Naturally resistant to deer, it adds texture, movement, and vibrant color to beds and borders, while also aiding in erosion control. Thriving in full sun to light shade, it's an easy-care choice for adding dynamic beauty to any garden setting.
$16.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
1072
/ 2693
#1072 in Plants
Price vs Category Average
-61%
Below average
SKU
27672
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking vibrant late-season visual interest
- Busy homeowners wanting low-maintenance, deer-resistant landscaping
- Designers looking to soften hardscape lines with elegant movement
Who should skip it
- Gardeners needing year-round greenery in their landscape
- Casual hobbyists avoiding labor-intensive plant maintenance
- Owners of shaded gardens with limited direct sunlight
Performance breakdown
Visual Impact
Smoky purple plumes create a dramatic focal point in any landscape.
Seasonal Versatility
Transitions beautifully from summer blooms to striking golden autumn foliage.
Maintenance Ease
A low-effort perennial that thrives with minimal intervention once established.
Pest Resistance
Natural deer resistance keeps your garden looking pristine without extra protection.
Environmental Adaptability
Handles rocky or sandy soil conditions with impressive resilience.
Growth Habit
Upright structure provides excellent texture and movement in garden borders.
Key Specs
SKU
27672
Genus
Pennisetum
Species
alopecuroides
Item Form
2-Quart
Hardiness Zones
5 - 9
Mature Height
5 Feet
Mature Width
5 Feet
Light Requirements
Full Sun to Light Shade
Features
- Smoky purple bottlebrush plumes bloom mid to late summer.
- Foliage turns gold in fall for seasonal color.
- Naturally resistant to deer.
- Adds texture, movement, and color contrast.
- Tolerates rocky or sandy soil.
- Upright growth habit.
- Easy maintenance.
- Provides multi-season interest.
What customers say
Customers consistently celebrate the exceptional aesthetic appeal and reliability of Pennisetum 'Red Head'. The primary delight centers on the dramatic, smoky red plumes which provide outstanding late season color and texture, often exceeding expectations for garden impact. Reviewers frequently note its robust nature, confirming it establishes quickly and returns reliably year after year, making it a high value investment for perennial borders. The plant’s ability to thrive with minimal fuss solidifies its reputation for dependable performance and striking design contribution.
Know before you buy
This ornamental grass reaches a mature height and width of approximately 5 feet. Be sure to provide enough space in your garden bed to accommodate its full, upright growth habit.
Pennisetum 'Red Head' is quite adaptable and will tolerate rocky or sandy soil conditions. It performs best when planted in a location with well-draining soil.
Yes, this variety is naturally resistant to deer. While no plant is completely deer-proof, it is an excellent choice for landscapes where deer pressure is a concern.
For the best performance and plume production, plant it in a spot that receives full sun. It can also tolerate light shade, though you may see slightly less vigorous blooming.
The smoky purple, bottlebrush plumes typically emerge in mid to late summer. They remain a striking feature on the plant, providing visual interest well into the season.
Pennisetum 'Red Head' is hardy in zones 5 through 9. It is a reliable perennial choice for a wide range of climates across these regions.
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$17