Napiergrass, Elephant Grass 'Princess'

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
Height
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)
36-48 in. (90-120 cm)
Spacing
15-18 in. (38-45 cm)
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)
Danger
N/A
Bloom Color
Red
Medium Purple
Dark Purple/Black
Maroon/Burgundy
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
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)
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:

Fort Mill, South Carolina

Sumter, South Carolina

Austin, Texas

Mc Lean, Virginia

Fall Creek, Wisconsin

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Gardener's Notes:

1
positive
0
neutral
0
negative
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P
McLean, VA (Zone 6b) | July 2008 | positive

I planted three small plugs in my garden in April 2008. They didn't show much growth until the weather became consistantly warm. Prince...Read More

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