Purple Fountain Grass
Pennisetum setaceum rubrum
Burgundy foliage with arching purple plumes — modern desert favorite (sterile cultivar recommended).
Needs AE Review
Forest & Kim Starr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0 — license
Schedule: Weekly to twice-weekly in summer, less in cooler months.
Emitters: 1–2 emitters per shrub adjusted seasonally.
Most desert-adapted shrubs prefer drying out between waterings.
Arizona yards have very different microclimates. West-facing walls, glass, artificial turf, pavers, travertine, porcelain, and pool decking all increase reflected heat. AE considers these before confirming placement.
- Low root impact
AE verifies pool deck, paver, foundation, wall, and utility clearances before final planting.
Quick Facts
- Plant type
- Grass
- Mature size
- Varies — AE will confirm during design.
- Sun
- Full sun
- Water use
- Low
- Evergreen / Deciduous
- Evergreen
- Thorns / spines
- None
- Litter level
- Low
- Pool area
- Good with placement
- Pet/kid placement
- Good
- Maintenance
- Low
- Privacy value
- Low
- Shade value
- Low
- Native
- Desert-adapted
About Purple Fountain Grass
Starter entry. Final mature size, water use, frost sensitivity, and pool placement will be confirmed by AE during design.
Best uses: Modern desert designs, pool surrounds, contrast against gravel
AE Designer Opinion
Design Uses
- Will be confirmed by AE based on site conditions
Care & Maintenance
- Final care plan confirmed by AE during design
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