Napiergrass, Elephant Grass 'Prince'

Pennisetumpurpureum

Family
Poaceae (poh-AY-see-ee)
Genus
Pennisetum (pen-ih-SEE-tum)
Species
purpureum (pur-PUR-ee-um)
Synonym
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Sun to Partial Shade
Foliage
Grown for foliage
Herbaceous
Provides Winter Interest
Height
4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 m)
Spacing
4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 m)
Hardiness
USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F)
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)
Danger
N/A
Bloom Color
Medium Purple
Bloom Time
Late Spring/Early Summer
Mid Summer
Late Summer/Early Fall
Mid Fall
Other Details
Category
Annuals
Ornamental Grasses and Bamboo
Tropicals and Tender Perennials
Water Requirements
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Foliage Color
Burgundy/Maroon
Where to Grow
Bloom Characteristics
Bloom Size
Other details
Soil pH requirements
5.6 to 6.0 (acidic)
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
Patent Information
Patented
Propagation Methods
By dividing the rootball
From seed; sow indoors before last frost
From seed; direct sow after last frost
Seed Collecting
Bag seedheads to capture ripening seed
Allow seedheads to dry on plants; remove and collect seeds
N/A: plant does not set seed, flowers are sterile, or plants will not come true from seed
Regional

This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:

Kingston, New Hampshire

Dallas, Texas

Mc Lean, Virginia

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Gardener's Notes:

3
positives
0
neutral
0
negative
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B
Elizabeth City, NC (Zone 8a) | May 2010 | positive

Despite being disappointed in the inaccurate zone 8a hardiness publicity of 'Prince,' I still like this grass. Its rapid growth coupled w...Read More

S
Holland, OH (Zone 5b) | October 2008 | positive

I grew Prince here in Zone 5 for the first time as an annual. Well worth it. The first month it just seemed to sulk - mid May to mid Jun...Read More

D
Kingston, NH | June 2008 | positive

I've been reading about these grasses, both Princess and
Prince and bought both this year. I put the smaller Princess
in a...Read More

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