Purple Fountain Grass (Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubrum’) is an ornamental grass prized for its deep burgundy-red foliage and graceful, arching plumes that resemble a fountain. This cultivar provides dramatic color and fine texture to garden beds, containers, and landscape designs throughout the growing season. Finding this plant involves knowing where to look, understanding its seasonal availability, and recognizing the specific botanical variety being sold.
Local Retail Options
The most common way to purchase Purple Fountain Grass is through brick-and-mortar garden centers and nurseries. High-volume retailers, such as national home improvement stores, stock large quantities of the plant in late spring and early summer to meet peak planting demand. These stores often sell them in standard nursery pot sizes, offering an instant impact in the landscape. While convenient, the selection at these larger stores may be limited to the most popular ‘Rubrum’ cultivar.
Independent and local nurseries generally offer a more curated selection and plants better acclimated to the regional climate. When shopping in person, inspect the plant for signs of health, such as vibrant foliage color and a sturdy, upright growth habit. Gently check the drainage holes to ensure the roots are not completely circling the pot, which indicates a pot-bound plant that may struggle to establish itself after planting.
Online and Mail Order Sources
Purchasing Purple Fountain Grass from online nurseries or specialized ornamental grass growers provides access to a wider variety of sizes and less common cultivars. Online vendors often ship the plant as bare-root divisions, small plug liners, or young plants in smaller pots to minimize shipping costs and transit stress. Plugs are small, young plants ideal for mass planting and are an economical option, but they require a longer period to reach mature size.
The shipping process means the plants will arrive dormant or stressed, requiring immediate attention upon arrival to prevent drying out. Before ordering, always check vendor reviews and shipping policies, especially concerning live plant guarantees. Be aware of any state-specific agricultural restrictions regarding the shipment of live plant material across state lines.
Seasonal Timing and Availability
The availability of Purple Fountain Grass aligns with the optimal planting period for warm-season grasses. The highest volume of stock appears in nurseries and garden centers from late spring, generally after the danger of the last hard frost has passed, and continues into early summer. This timing ensures the plant has the entire warm season to establish its roots and reach its full size before the cold weather returns.
As a warm-season grass, Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubrum’ does not begin active growth until soil temperatures consistently warm up. Purchasing later in the season, such as mid-summer or fall, may result in reduced stock, but sometimes plants are available at clearance prices. However, late-season planting in colder climates may not allow enough time for the plant to establish before winter, which is a concern since it is typically grown as an annual.
Distinguishing Annual and Perennial Varieties
Before finalizing a purchase, the term “Purple Fountain Grass” most commonly refers to Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubrum’, a tender perennial hardy only in USDA Zones 9 through 11. For gardeners in colder climates, this plant should be treated as an annual and will need to be replaced each spring. This distinction is important for managing expectations regarding its return the following year.
In contrast, other related species like Pennisetum alopecuroides (Fountain Grass) are cold-hardy perennials, often surviving down to USDA Zone 5. To ensure you purchase the desired plant—whether the colorful annual type or a hardier perennial—always check the exact botanical name on the plant tag. Knowing your specific USDA Hardiness Zone determines if the plant will provide single-season color or return reliably year after year.