Pennisetum purpureum

Pennisetum purpureum ‘Prince’ and ‘Princess’ offer what no other can — foliage that actually deepens in the summer heat, rather than fading out. Bred by Wayne Hanna at the University of Georgia, ‘Prince’ and ‘Princess’ display royal purple foliage that deepens as the temperature rises.

‘Prince’ and ‘Princess’ are part of the Athens Select collection of heat- and humidity-tolerant plants, selected by Allan Armitage after being tested in his trial gardens at the University of Georgia. In addition to heat tolerance, plants are selected for their uniqueness, and they are virus-indexed to ensure superior plant quality and health.

“Better yet, ‘Prince’ and ‘Princess’ have the look of Phormium but the qualities of Pennisetum,” said Armitage, founder of Athens Select. “Both are outstanding plants for the landscape and are in demand for their architectural habits and fast growth.”

‘Prince’ and ‘Princess’ are widely available through the Athens Select network of propagators. Two additional Pennisetum varieties will be added to the series for the 2009/2010 season.

Superb selections
‘Prince’ grows 5-6 feet tall while ‘Princess’ tops out at 2-3 feet depending on summer heat. “We often hear the comment that ‘Prince’ makes even pampas seem diminutive,” Armitage said.

SPECIFICS

Name: Pennisetum purpureum ‘Prince’ and ‘Princess’ Hardiness: USDA Hardiness Zones 8-11. Description: Breakthrough in ornamental grasses with purple foliage that deepens in color even as summer gets hotter. Landscape uses: Mixed containers, pots, beds or planted in sweeps or masses.

Both feature dappled long, narrow blade-like foliage that stays nicely upright and doesn’t flop over. Blades on ‘Princess’ are slightly thinner and more petite than ‘Prince’ but no less striking. Leaves emerge green with purple margins and a purple midrib. As plants mature, the foliage unfolds from the whorl to reveal deep purple tones. Each selection offers winter interest as well, maintaining shape and habit and taking on a rich beige tone.

In the nursery
Both ‘Prince’ and ‘Princess’ typically finish in 6-7 weeks in a gallon pot. Plant one liner per gallon pot. Use a well-drained, fertile growing medium. Provide high light with 65-80° F days and 60-65° F nights.

Keep moist and deliver a constant feed of 250ppm-300ppm N, 65-75ppm P and 125-165ppm K or a periodic feed of 300-400ppm N, 100-150ppm P and 200-300ppm K. Pests won’t be a problem if standard sanitation practices are followed. Drench with broad spectrum fungicide at liner planting.

For more: Athens Select, (760) 944-7889; www.athensselect.com. Allan Armitage, University of Georgia, armitage@uga.edu.