Pennisetum 'Purple Millet'
Tender perennial grass, usually grown as an annual to 90cm tall, with dark green stems and leaves turning to deep purple as it matures, especially if grown in full sun. Fluffy purple spikelets in upright panicles produced on leafy stems in mid to late summer
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Purple | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple | Purple | ||
| Autumn | Purple Bronze | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Poaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- 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
Unresolved
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in a light, moderately fertile, well-drained soil, planting out in spring when the frosts have passed. See ornamental grasses cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in containers in a warm glasshouse in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Gravel garden
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Patio and container plants
- Bedding
- Conservatory and greenhouse
- Cut flowers
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Treat as an annual and remove dead foliage and old flowered stems as plants fade
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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