Pennisetum alopecuroides 'RED HEAD'

Chinese fountain grass is an elegant feature to every garden. It has mid to dark green, linear, flat leaves growing in a thick cluster forming a shape of a fountain. From midsummer it produces spike-like flowers which look like bottlebrushes. Individual varieties differ by flower colour, plant size or habit, and sometimes also foliage colour, especially its autumn shade.

Red Head is a fountain grass selection by Brent Horvath of Intrinsic Perennials from Illinois, USA. It produces attractive smoky purple red spike-like flowers 20-25 cm long. They appear atop up to 1.5m tall stem and exhibit their beauty well arranged above the foliage level. Leaves are luxuriant green, arching, and create a soft, relaxed feeling. In autumn they turn golden yellow. Red Head makes dense and compact clumps, yet count on the same spread as height (1.5m) in maturity which in case of this variety comes very early, usually after three years in the ground.

It is best grown in sunny and warm areas, in well-drained but evenly moist soil. This grass is not drought tolerant and without sufficient moisture it will dry out or will not produce flowers. It is recommended to tie up the leaves before winter or provide dry mulch. Cut back in early spring. Hardy to about -29°C (USDA zone 5).

Last update: 19-02-2019