PURPLE LEA® Pennisetum

Purple Lea® Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘PA400’ PBR

• Australian Native with elegant purple flower heads
• Friendly to native bushland
• Great for attracting native birds

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. 

In ideal conditions this variety has the possibility to regenerate from seed (e.g. Northern NSW/QLD in warm/wet winters, wet areas and excessively irrigated gardens).

It is not an invasive weed, however if you experience these conditions and prefer to avoid regeneration, remove spent flower heads as required and dispose of correctly.

Size: 80 – 90cm high x 80 – 90cm wide.

Planting Density: 2-6 plants per m², 1-2 plants per linear metre.

Uses: Mass or accent plantings for borders, rockeries and low maintenance gardens.

Position: Full sun to part shade. Purple Lea® Pennisetum suits sandy to heavy clay soils. Tolerates frost and drought.

Care: 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.