Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Red Head’
$27.99
Large smoky dark-red bottlebrush plumes appear early above arching green foliage, then age through brown while the leaves turn gold and buff.
- Description
- Additional information
Description
Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Red Head’ is a clump-forming warm-season grass with narrow arching green leaves and unusually large smoky dark-red bottlebrush plumes from midsummer into fall. Mature clumps reach about 90 to 120 cm tall and 60 to 90 cm wide.
Plant in full sun in average soil that retains some moisture but drains freely. Once established, the grass tolerates drought and deer browsing. Its plumes are useful fresh or dried.
Leave the foliage and brown seedheads standing through winter for texture and wildlife value. Cut the clump close to the ground in late winter before new shoots emerge, and divide congested plants in spring.
Additional information
| Height | 3 ft – 4 ft |
|---|---|
| Spread | 2 ft – 3 ft |
| Flowering months | July, August, September |
| Synonyms | Cenchrus alopecuroides 'Red Head', Pennisetum 'Red Head', Pennisetum alopecuroides Red Head, Pennisetum glaucum Red Head, Pennisetum purple baron |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Hazardous | no |
| Variegated | no |
| Color flower autumn | Brown |
| Color flower summer | Red |
| Color flower winter | Brown |
| Aspect | South, West |
| Foliage | Deciduous |
| Habit | Clump-former |
| Moisture | Moist but Well Drained |
| Ph | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Position | Full sun, Partial shade |
| Shape | Arching |
| Suggest planting location | Flowering borders, Gravel and stone gardens, Prairie style planting |
| Type | Grass |
| Use for | Deer resistant, Xeriscape |
| Years to max height | 2 |
| Drought resistance | yes |
| Cultivation | Grow in full sun in average, moist but well-drained soil. Leave foliage for winter interest and cut it to the ground in late winter before new growth. |
| Soil | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
| Local names | Red Head fountain grass |
| Blomidon Item No | Z1PENALRH0001G, 201862218, 201815110, 201815111, 201941001, 201713088, 201909094 |
| Propagation | Divide established clumps in spring as new growth begins. Seedlings may vary and should not be relied upon to reproduce the named cultivar. |
| Pests | May occasionally be affected by aphids, spider mites, slugs, and snails, especially in sheltered or container-grown plants. |
| Diseases | May occasionally be affected by rust, leaf spot, ergot, or crown rot where drainage and air movement are poor. |
| Pruning | Leave dry foliage and plumes standing for winter interest, then cut the whole clump close to the ground in late winter before new growth starts. |
| Hazardous information | The leaves are not considered poisonous, but dry blade edges can scratch skin; wear gloves and long sleeves when cutting back a mature clump. |
| Watering instructions | Water regularly through establishment, then deeply during extended drought while allowing excess water to drain. |
| Sunlight instructions | Grow in full sun for the strongest habit and most abundant dark-red plumes; light shade reduces flowering. |