Botanical Name: Common Names:
Pennisetum alopecuroides Purple Lea Fountain Grass, Swamp Foxtail, PA400,
Native: Foliage Type:
Yes Evergreen
Plant Type: Plant Habit:
Grasses, Strappy & Tufting Clumping, Tufting
Description:
Purple Lea® Pennisetum boasts feathery purple flowers that are showy and contrast with its full sized green foliage. It has a clumping growth habit with beautifully arching leaves. NOTE: Do not get this native Australian Pennisetum alopecuroides confused with the invasive African variety (P. setaceum). The native Australian varieties have a much wider plume than the exotic variety, and are non-invasive making them a safer choice. Size: 80 - 90cm high x 80 - 90cm wide. Uses: Mass or accent plantings for borders, rockeries and low maintenance gardens.
Mature Height: Mature Width:
60cm-1m 60cm-1m
Position: Soil Type:
Full Sun, Semi Shade Any
Landscape Use(s)
Borders / Shrubbery, Coastal Garden, Foliage Feature / Colour, Formal Garden, Low Water Garden, Mass Planting, Park And Gardens, Playgrounds, Rockery, Roundabouts / Splitters, Verge, Container / Pot
Pests & Diseases: Generally trouble free
Cultural Notes: Water as required for 8-13 weeks until established. Plant in a well mulched garden (chunky mulch is recommended). Use slow release fertiliser in late winter. Trim back annually to 1/3 the size in late autumn to winter. Where it works: NSW, ACT, QLD, VIC, SA, WA & TAS.
Plant Care
Low phosphorus slow release fertiliser
Family Name: Origin:
Poaceae Australia
Characteristics
Foliage Colour: Green
Flower Colour: Purple
Flower Fragrant: No
Flowering Season: Autumn
Fruit: Insignificant
Requirements Tolerances
Growth Rate: Fast
Maintenance Level: Low
Water Usage: Low
Drought: High
Frost: High
Wind: High