About
Rubrum' is a hybrid between P. macrostachyum and P. setaceum. Strappy, dark-red foliage emerges in spring, initially flushed green. Arching stems bear bottlebrush-shaped flowers in late summer to autumn, their silver and red plumes eventually becoming brown.
About the genus
Pennisetum can be annual or perennial, evergreen or deciduous grasses, clump-forming or spreading in habit, with linear leaves and narrow flowering panicles with conspicuous bristles
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeGrass Like
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCoastal, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Care notes
CultivationDrought and heat tolerant, but requires frost-free conditions so will need winter protection or moving into an unheated glasshouse if grown in a pot
PruningCut back last season's foliage in early spring
PropagationPropagate by division in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free