Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Red Head'

'Red Head' aptly describes the smoky red bottlebrush plumes of this Pennisetum alopecuroides. They are up to 3" wide x 10" long and appear a month earlier than those of other Ornamental Grass varieties. The leaves of 'Red Head' turn butter yellow in fall.

The genus Pennisetum includes approximately 80 to 140 species native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and Asia. The genus contains both annual and perennial Grasses, including some tender perennials that are grown as annuals in colder climates. Most are clump-forming warm-season Grasses that actively grow from June into early September, remain green through hot weather, then go dormant in fall. The common name, Fountain Grass, aptly describes its graceful mounding form. We celebrate Pennisetum cultivars for their colorful foliage (green, chartreuse, deep red, or rosy tones) and showy flower spikes that range from light-catching and feathery to substantial chocolate-brown, fuzzy bottlebrushes. Because some varieties self-sow all too readily, newer varieties are being bred to be infertile, so they don’t set viable seed and won’t become invasive. Plants prefer full sun and well-drained soils, are resilient, drought- and humidity-tolerant, and are adaptable to various soil types. Plant them as specimen plants in garden borders, in mass plantings, or in containers.

For information on growing and care, click Growing Guide.

HOW PLANTS ARE SHIPPED

The size of the plants we ship has been selected to reduce the shock of transplanting. For some, this means a large, bareroot crown. Others cannot travel bareroot or transplant best if grown in containers. We ship these perennials and annuals in 1 pint pots, except as noted. We must point out that many perennials will not bloom the first year after planting, but will the following year, amply rewarding your patience. We ship bulbs as dormant, bare bulbs, sometimes with some wood shavings or moss. Shrubs, Roses, vines, and other woody plants may be shipped bareroot or in pots. The size of the pot is noted in the quick facts for each item.

WHEN WE SHIP

We ship our bulbs and plants at the right time for planting in your area, except as noted, with orders dispatched on a first-come, first-served basis by climate zone. We also ship a wide range of containers and planters, tools, supplies, fertilizers, garden wear, garden decor items, as well as indoor decorations like wreaths and dried bouquets when available. Estimated dates for shipping are indicated in the green Shipping Details box for each item. Please supply a street address for delivery. Kindly contact us with two weeks notice, if you'll be away at the expected time of delivery.

OUR GUARANTEE

We guarantee to ship plants that are in prime condition for growing. If your order is damaged or fails to meet your expectations, we will cheerfully replace or refund it. Please contact our Customer Service Department at 1-800-503-9624 or email us at [email protected]. Please include your order number or customer number when contacting us.