Cenchrus × cupreus
purple fountain grass
Garden origin (parents from Africa and Asia)
Overview
Cenchrus x cupreus, purple fountain grass, is a sterile hybrid ornamental grass grown for its burgundy foliage and arching plumes. It forms a dense, upright to arching clump 3–4 feet (90–120 cm) tall and 2–3 feet (60–90 cm) wide. The narrow leaf blades are 12–24 inches (30–60 cm) long and deep reddish-purple, holding the colour through the season in full sun. From midsummer into autumn, nodding flower plumes 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) long rise above the foliage, opening coppery-pink and fading to tan. Because the hybrid is sterile, it sets no viable seed and does not self-sow, unlike some related fountain grasses. The plant is frost-tender and is grown as an annual or lifted and overwintered indoors in cold regions. It grows quickly in warm weather and reaches full size in a single season. Foliage colour fades toward green in shade.
Native Range
Cenchrus x cupreus is a hybrid of garden origin and is not found in the wild. Its parent species are native to Africa and southern Asia, the source regions of the fountain grasses.Suggested Uses
Used as a specimen in borders and containers, in mass plantings, and as a seasonal accent. The plumes are cut for fresh and dried arrangements. Plants are spaced 24–36 inches (60–90 cm) apart.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 4'
Width/Spread2' - 3'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
reddish-purpleGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun in moist, well-drained soil of average fertility, tolerating a soil pH from 5.5 to 7.5. Water needs are medium, with even moisture supporting steady growth, though established plants tolerate short dry spells. It is frost-tender, hardy outdoors only in USDA zones 9–11, and is grown as an annual or overwintered indoors elsewhere. Full sun is needed to hold the deep foliage colour, which fades toward green in shade. In cold regions the clump is lifted before frost and kept in a cool, bright space over winter. Cut foliage and plumes hold their form in dried arrangements.Pruning
The clump is cut back to a few inches above the ground in late winter, or before new growth where it is overwintered. Spent plumes can be removed or left for winter interest. No other pruning is needed.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
winterearly spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons