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Key characteristics

Family: Poaceae
Height: 36–48 inches
Width: 24–36 inches
Flower color: Burgundy
Foliage color: Green in summer, turning gold in fall
Bloom time: Mid to late summer
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Medium; prefers well-drained soil
Maintenance: Low; cut back in early spring before new growth emerges
Growing zone: USDA zones 5–9
Wildlife: Attracts birds; deer-resistant

Perennials

Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Red Head'

Red Head Fountain Grass

Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Red Head' is a clump-forming ornamental grass that originates from Asia and Australia. It blooms from mid to late summer, producing, dark burgundy, bottlebrush-like flower spikes that resemble large foxtails. These plumes, which can reach up to 10 inches in length, emerge above the graceful green foliage, adding a touch of elegance to garden landscapes.

In autumn, the green leaves transition to gold, eventually fading to buff in winter, providing year-round visual interest.

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Medium; prefers well-drained soil

Bloom time

Mid to late summer

Find this plant

Works well in

Borders
Cottage Gardens
Bird Gardens
Cut Flower Gardens

Companion plants

Heucheras · Lady's mantle · Hellebores · Hardy geraniums · Hostas · Ferns

Design tip

Summer flowers carry the middle of the season, so place it where the bed needs color once spring bulbs fade. It takes sun or light shade, which makes it useful along the changing light of a bed edge or a partly shaded border.