A 2003 All American Selection of Purple Millet. The dark purple foliage and flowers make this a stunning plant.
Pronunciation
(penn-i-SEE-tum)
Plant Type
All Plants, Grass Ornamental
Hardiness Zone
9
Sunlight
Best color is in full sun.
Moisture
Tolerates dryness but prefers average moisture.
Soil & Site
average to well drained
Growing Media
average patio to well drained
Temperature
prefers warmth
Flowers
Seed heads are: narrow, bristly, dark purple and take on a yellow coloration from the anthers. Make nice dried flowers.
Leaves
long, narrow, dark purple with a dark midrib, foliage color starts as dark green and changes to dark red,
Stems
Plant has a few main larger stalks along with secondary stalks all coming from a clump.
Dimensions
Reaches 4-5 feet tall by 2-3 feet in spread.
Propagation
seeds, division
Cultivar Origin
This hybrid purple millet was developed by David Andrews and John Rajewski of the University of Nebraska. For many years it was a genetic oddity at the university until spotted by Harlan Hamernik of Bluebird Nursery, Clarkston, Nebraska USA. He suggested it be entered into the All American Selection process in 1998. It won a gold medal in 2003.
Author's Notes
Have used this grass in many times in containers and gardens. In full sun the foliage is almost black.