Purple Fountain Grass is one of the most dramatic, eye-catching ornamental grasses you can grow in SW Florida. With its deep burgundy foliage and arching, feathery plumes, Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum' adds movement, color, and texture to Cape Coral landscapes year-round — performing at its peak during our warm months when most of the country struggles to grow it outdoors.
In SW Florida, Purple Fountain Grass behaves as a true perennial, continuing to grow and thrive year-round rather than dying back as it does in cooler climates. This means Cape Coral landscapes benefit from its dramatic burgundy color and feathery plumes for twelve months of the year, making it an extraordinarily valuable landscape investment for residential and commercial properties alike.
Green Fountain Grass (Pennisetum setaceum) is the species form and performs equally well in SW Florida's climate, though it's important to note that it is listed as invasive in Florida and should be avoided in favor of the non-invasive purple or other sterile cultivars. Always choose named purple or tricolor cultivars for environmentally responsible SW Florida landscaping.
Growing Conditions for Fountain Grass in SW Florida
- ✓Sun: Full sun required for best color and form; minimum 6 hours of direct sun daily; shade causes floppy, pale growth
- ✓Water: Low to moderate once established; drought-tolerant; water 1-2 times per week; avoid overwatering
- ✓Soil: Tolerates Cape Coral sandy soils well; excellent drainage essential; minimal amendment needed
- ✓Fertilizer: Light feeder; apply slow-release balanced fertilizer 2-3 times per year; avoid excessive nitrogen
- ✓Size: Typically 3-5 ft tall and wide in SW Florida; plumes extend 12-18 inches above foliage
- ✓Zone: USDA Zone 9-11; perennial in SW Florida; may die back in Zone 8 but returns from roots
Planting Tips for Cape Coral & Lee County
Fountain Grass is among the most straightforward plants to establish in SW Florida's sandy soils, rewarding gardeners quickly with vigorous growth and continuous bloom throughout the warm season.
- ✓Plant in full sun locations only; shaded plants lose their vibrant color and growth habit
- ✓Space plants 3-4 feet apart; they grow quickly in SW Florida warmth and will fill in within one growing season
- ✓Cut back to 6-8 inches in late winter (February-March) to refresh plants and encourage vigorous new growth
- ✓Works beautifully as a repeating element along driveways, entry roads, and large commercial landscape beds
- ✓Combine purple fountain grass with yellow or orange flowering plants for striking color contrast in Cape Coral sun gardens
- ✓Container growing works well; use large (15+ gallon) containers with good drainage for lanai and patio displays
💡 Pro Tip: In SW Florida's year-round warmth, Fountain Grass rarely goes fully dormant. Cut plants back by half in late winter and again lightly after heavy blooming to maintain a tidy, compact form. Without periodic cutting, plants can become open and rangy in our warm climate — a quick trim keeps them looking their best.
Common Problems & Solutions
- ✓Loss of purple color: Insufficient sunlight; ensure plants receive full sun all day for best color intensity
- ✓Floppy or open growth habit: Overwatering, overfertilizing, or insufficient sun; reduce inputs and ensure full sun placement
- ✓Crown rot: Standing water during rainy season; plant in raised areas or improve drainage before planting
- ✓Rust disease: Orange pustules on leaves in humid conditions; apply appropriate fungicide and improve air circulation
Where to Use Fountain Grass in Your Landscape
- ✓Entry and driveway borders: Mass plantings of purple fountain grass create dramatic, welcoming landscape statements
- ✓Sun-baked berms and slopes: Excellent drought tolerance makes it perfect for hard-to-irrigate areas in Cape Coral
- ✓Mixed perennial borders: Burgundy foliage pairs beautifully with silver, gold, and orange flowering perennials
- ✓Commercial landscapes: Low maintenance and striking year-round appearance make it popular for commercial properties
Florida Palm and Plant Co. carries Purple Fountain Grass and other ornamental grass varieties perfect for SW Florida's sunny landscapes. Our locally grown plants establish quickly in Cape Coral's conditions. Call (239) 392-4855 or get a free quote online to add dramatic movement and color to your landscape.