Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Red Head'

Also Known As

Red Head Fountain Grass
Red Head Grass-Ornamental

Plant type

perennial, grass / grass like

size

H: 4'-5'
W: 4'-5'

planting zones

5a-9b

More Options

Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Red Head' plant details

Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Red Head' is a deciduous perennial grass (or grassy in appearance) with burgundy and green foliage. In fall and summer burgundy flowers emerge. Features grassy texture. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and even moisture - low water. Does well in acidic, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Red Head'

Plant type: perennial grass (or grassy in appearance)
Plant family: poaceae
Foliage: deciduous burgundy and green
Mature size: 4 FT - 5 FT - wide, 4 FT - 5 FT - tall
Flowers: burgundy blooms in fall and summer
Uses: container plant, edging plant

GROWING CONDITIONS for Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Red Head'

USDA Zones: 5a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - low
Resistant to: deer, verticillium wilt
Soil needs: acidic, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Red Head' is a big and bold fountain grass that begins its reddish to smoky purple flower display in mid summer, earlier than other cultivars. The extra large plumes measure up to 10 inches long and three inches wide, have tones of smoky pink, red, and purple, and are produced in quantity arching out from the broad, green, graceful mound of foliage. Leaves turn gold and orange in the fall then to buff tones to join the flowers for good winter interest.

By: Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

Earlier flowering, the deep purple buds of this handsome 3-4' grass begin to open their huge (3" x 8-10") smoky-purple bottlebrush-plumes as early as mid-to-late summer and are attractive for several months. S/M(not wet) PPAF

By: Forestfarm

An Intrinsic Introduction! An early form of red flowering Pennisetum. I selected this one in 1998 from among Pennisetum 'National Arboretum'. 'Red Head' shows its red inflorescence the beginning of September, one month earlier than most. It looked stunning against the Feather Reed Grass in the field beds at the nersery. Full sun, well drained to moist soil. Plugs available in June. Warm Season Grass.