Pennisetum advena 'Fireworks'PBR (v)
fountain grass 'Fireworks'
A clump-forming, deciduous grass, to 1.2m tall, with erect to arching leaves. The linear, flat leaves are coloured burgundy-red with pink margins but where shaded from full light leaves are green with white margins. In late summer, red flower plumes are held on arching stems gradually fading to brown in the autumn
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green Red Pink White | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Red | Green Red Pink White | ||
Autumn | Brown Red | Green Red Pink White | ||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Poaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- 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
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Drought and heat tolerant, but requires frost-free conditions so will need winter protection or moving into an unheated glasshouse if grown in a pot
Propagation
Propagate by division in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Patio and container plants
- Low Maintenance
- Cut flowers
Pruning
Cut back last season's foliage in early spring
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.