| Botanical Name | Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum' |
| Description | A popular, fast-growing ornamental grass prized for its deep wine-colored leaves and soft, bristly flower spikes. It is exceptionally resilient in the Houston summer sun and humidity. While it is quite drought-tolerant once established, it prefers well-drained soil and will not tolerate standing water or heavily saturated clay for long periods. |
| Exposure | Full Sun (Required for the deepest purple foliage color) |
| Height x Width | 3-5' Height x 2-4' Width |
| Water | Moderate; prefers regular watering during the heat of summer but is drought-tolerant once roots are established. |
| Zones | 9 - 11 (Treated as an annual or tender perennial in the Houston area) |
| Fertilization | Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring or at planting to support rapid growth. |
| Pruning | Cut back to about 4-6 inches in late winter or early spring before new growth begins to emerge. |
| Deer Resistance | High |
| Botanical Name | Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum' |
| Description | A popular, fast-growing ornamental grass prized for its deep wine-colored leaves and soft, bristly flower spikes. It is exceptionally resilient in the Houston summer sun and humidity. While it is quite drought-tolerant once established, it prefers well-drained soil and will not tolerate standing water or heavily saturated clay for long periods. |
| Exposure | Full Sun (Required for the deepest purple foliage color) |
| Height x Width | 3-5' Height x 2-4' Width |
| Water | Moderate; prefers regular watering during the heat of summer but is drought-tolerant once roots are established. |
| Zones | 9 - 11 (Treated as an annual or tender perennial in the Houston area) |
| Fertilization | Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring or at planting to support rapid growth. |
| Pruning | Cut back to about 4-6 inches in late winter or early spring before new growth begins to emerge. |
| Deer Resistance | High |