Red Fountain Grass (Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubrum’), also known as purple fountain grass, is one of the most striking ornamental grasses you can plant. It forms a tidy, fast-growing clump of arching burgundy-red blades topped from summer through fall by soft, foxtail-like plumes in shades of purple, pink, and burgundy. As a result, that fountain-like shape and rich color make Red Fountain Grass a standout as a specimen, accent, or in mass plantings. Best of all, because the ‘Rubrum’ cultivar is sterile, it will not reseed and spread the way the invasive green species does.

Why Grow Red Fountain Grass?

Bold burgundy color – deep red-burgundy blades bring season-long color and contrast that few other grasses can match.
Showy plumes – fluffy, foxtail-like purple-pink plumes arch above the foliage from summer to frost.
Sterile & non-invasive – unlike the species, the ‘Rubrum’ cultivar rarely sets seed, so it stays put instead of spreading.
Tough & low-maintenance – also drought-tolerant once established, heat-loving, and deer-resistant.
Versatile – perennial in warm zones 9–11, and grown as a fast, dramatic annual everywhere else, plus excellent in containers.

Looking for more texture and groundcover ideas? Browse our Groundcovers & Border Plants and Outdoor Plants collections.

Plant Specifications at a Glance

Botanical name: Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubrum’ (also classified as Pennisetum × advena ‘Rubrum’; purple/red fountain grass)
Plant type: Warm-season ornamental grass; tender perennial grown as an annual in cold climates
Plant family: Poaceae (the grass family)
Mature size: about 2–4 feet tall and 2–3 feet wide (up to about 5 feet in ideal conditions)
Foliage: Arching burgundy-red blades in a clumping, fountain-like form
Plumes: Foxtail-like, purple-pink to burgundy, from summer through fall
Notable traits: Sterile (non-invasive), drought-tolerant, deer-resistant
Cold Hardiness Zones: 9–11 (grown as an annual in cooler zones)

Red Fountain Grass Care & Growing Guide

This is a low-maintenance, warm-season grass. Follow these simple guidelines:

Sunlight: Thrives in full sun, which brings out the deepest burgundy color. It also tolerates a little shade. However, color and form are best in full sun.
Water: Water regularly during the first year to establish a strong root system, and more often in extreme heat. Once mature, it is drought-tolerant and needs only occasional water.
Soil: Prefers dry, well-drained soil and adapts to a wide range of soils. However, avoid soggy ground, which can cause rot.
Cold Hardiness Zone: 9–11, where it returns as a perennial. In colder zones, grow it as an annual, or pot it up and overwinter it in a frost-free spot.
Pruning: Pruning is not required. However, in its hardy range, cut the old foliage back to a few inches in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins.

Ways to Use Red Fountain Grass in the Landscape

This bold grass adds color and movement anywhere. Popular uses for Red Fountain Grass include:

Specimen or accent plant for bold color and movement
Also mass plantings and sweeps for texture and contrast
Borders, foundations, and open areas
Similarly, containers and patio pots (great as a thriller centerpiece)
Pairing with bright flowers, where the burgundy foliage sets them off

It looks fantastic next to colorful, sun-loving plants. For example, gardeners often pair it with the Ming Toy Daylily, the orange-flowered Bulbine Hallmark Orange, or the purple Mexican Petunia (Purple Showers).

What You’ll Receive

These are live Red Fountain Grass starter plants, grown and shipped by Carlo’s Plant Farm. Each plant is less than 12 inches tall when we ship it. The listing photos show mature plants of the same species. That way, you can see how yours will look as they grow. Finally, choose your preferred bundle size using the options above.

Also, due to different state laws, we reserve the right to charge extra fees where necessary to comply.

Ordering, Shipping & Returns

Every order ships free and is insured against loss or damage in transit. For full details on how we pack and send your plants, processing and delivery times, and what to do in the rare case of a problem, please review our Shipping Policy and Terms & Conditions before purchasing. By placing an order, you agree to those terms.

Red Fountain Grass FAQ

Growing & Care Questions

What is Red Fountain Grass?

It is one of the most striking ornamental grasses you can plant, Pennisetum setaceum Rubrum, also called purple fountain grass. Notably, it forms a fountain-like clump of arching burgundy-red blades topped by soft, foxtail-like plumes.

Is Red Fountain Grass invasive?

No, and that is an important distinction. Unlike the invasive green species, the Rubrum cultivar is sterile and rarely sets seed. As a result, it stays put instead of spreading.

How big does Red Fountain Grass get?

It grows about 2 to 4 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide, and up to about 5 feet in ideal conditions. As a result, it makes a bold specimen or container centerpiece.

How far apart should I plant Red Fountain Grass?

For a full sweep of color, space plants about 2 to 3 feet apart. That spacing lets the fountain-shaped clumps fill in without crowding each other.

How much sun does Red Fountain Grass need?

It thrives in full sun, which brings out the deepest burgundy color. It also tolerates a little shade. However, color and form are best in full sun.

Hardiness, Buying & Shipping Questions

How often should I water Red Fountain Grass?

Water regularly during the first year to establish a strong root system, and more often in extreme heat. Once mature, it is drought-tolerant and needs only occasional water.

What growing zones is Red Fountain Grass suited for?

It is hardy in USDA Cold Hardiness Zones 9 to 11, where it returns as a perennial. In colder zones, grow it as an annual, or pot it up and overwinter it in a frost-free spot.

How and when should I prune Red Fountain Grass?

Pruning is not required. However, in its hardy range, cut the old foliage back to a few inches in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins.

Is Red Fountain Grass deer resistant?

Yes. Like many ornamental grasses, it is deer-resistant, and it is heat-loving and drought-tolerant once established. Therefore, it works well in low-maintenance, sunny landscapes.

What size plants will I receive?

You will receive live Red Fountain Grass starter plants. Each one is under 12 inches tall at shipping, grown and shipped by Carlo’s Plant Farm. The listing photos show mature plants of the same species. So you can see how yours will look as they grow. Finally, choose your bundle size using the options above.

Red Fountain Grass (Pennisetum setaceum Rubrum) burgundy blades with feathery plumes

Red fountain grass clump with arching purple-red foliage

Click to enlarge

Purple fountain grass foxtail-like plume close-up

Red fountain grass used as a landscape accent

Red fountain grass burgundy ornamental grass in a garden bed

Carlos Plant Farm

Red Fountain Grass Plant – Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubrum’ (Purple Fountain Grass, Live Starter Plant)

Price range: $33.79 through $178.32

Add bold color and graceful movement with a live Red Fountain Grass (Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubrum’), also known as purple fountain grass. This fast-growing ornamental grass forms an arching clump of burgundy-red blades topped with soft, foxtail-like purple-pink plumes from summer through fall. The sterile ‘Rubrum’ cultivar is non-invasive, drought-tolerant, and deer-resistant — perfect as a specimen, in mass plantings, or in containers. Perennial in zones 9–11 and a dramatic annual elsewhere. Shipped as a healthy live starter plant (under 12 inches tall) by Carlos Plant Farm.

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