Pennisetum Purple Baron
Best low-maintenance ornamental grass for adding dramatic color to small gardens.
The Pennisetum Purple Baron, or millet, is a striking ornamental grass celebrated for its dramatic summer and fall visual appeal. Its narrowly lanceolate burgundy foliage deepens to a rich purple as it matures, creating a beautiful contrast with large, feathery flowerheads. These transform into attractive seed heads in winter, offering a food source for birds. Growing to about 3 feet tall, this compact variety is excellent for mass plantings, as a specimen, or as a focal point in containers. It thrives in full sun to dappled shade and well-drained soil, tolerating dry conditions once established.
$19.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
29
/ 3001
#29 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-28%
Below average
Item Form
2
/ -Quart
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking high-contrast, architectural focal points
- Residents in hot, sunny climates needing resilient landscape plants
- Container designers wanting fast-growing, dramatic thriller plants
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious gardeners avoiding annual replacement costs
- Owners of small gardens or limited planting spaces
- Busy gardeners unable to commit to regular watering schedules
Performance breakdown
Visual Impact
Deep burgundy foliage provides a dramatic focal point for any landscape.
Maintenance Ease
Thrives with minimal intervention once established in the garden.
Drought Tolerance
Resilient performance in dry conditions makes it a reliable garden choice.
Container Versatility
Compact stature makes it an ideal thriller for mixed patio pots.
Wildlife Appeal
Winter seed heads provide a vital food source for local birds.
Seasonal Longevity
Maintains strong aesthetic interest from mid-summer through the winter months.
Key Specs
Item Form
2-Quart
Mature Height
3.33 Feet
Mature Width
16 inches
Light Requirements
Full Sun, Part Shade
Soil Drainage
Well-drained
Bloom Time
Mid Summer to Late Fall
SKU
28128
USDA Hardiness Zones
8-11
Features
- Striking burgundy foliage deepens to purple.
- Feathery flower spikes for arrangements.
- Appealing seed heads attract winter birds.
- Compact size for smaller spaces.
- Tolerates poor soils and dry conditions.
- Offers strong summer and fall interest.
- Easy care, low maintenance plant.
- Ideal as a container 'thriller'.
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the plant's exceptional visual impact and reliable quality. Its deep, almost black foliage provides dramatic contrast in any landscape. This ornamental grass establishes quickly and grows vigorously, often surpassing expectations for size and color saturation. Its robust performance and stunning design make it a highly valued addition, confirming its premium status among garden enthusiasts. This plant offers a striking aesthetic and dependable growth, making it a standout choice for those seeking dramatic natural beauty and lasting appeal in their gardens.
Know before you buy
This variety is hardy in USDA zones 8 through 11. If you live in a colder climate, it is typically grown as an annual, as it will not survive freezing winter temperatures.
Since this plant reaches a mature width of about 16 inches, spacing them 16 to 18 inches apart will provide enough room for the foliage to fill in without overcrowding.
Yes, its compact size makes it an excellent 'thriller' for containers. Ensure your pot has adequate drainage holes, as this grass requires well-drained soil to thrive.
Once established, Purple Baron is quite drought-tolerant. While it appreciates regular moisture during its first season, it can handle drier conditions thereafter.
It is best to leave the foliage and seed heads standing through the winter. They provide visual interest and a valuable food source for local birds, and you can trim the plant back in early spring before new growth begins.
While it performs best in full sun, it will tolerate dappled or partial shade. Keep in mind that the foliage color may be slightly less intense and bloom production may be reduced compared to plants grown in full sun.
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$20