Pennisetum glaucum 'Purple Majesty' – royal ornamental grass for your garden

Pennisetum glaucum , commonly known as ornamental millet, is an annual ornamental grass popular for its decorative plumes and impressive foliage color. The cultivar 'Purple Majesty' stands out with its deep purple leaves and purple to brownish-red plumes, adding a dramatic and luxurious splash of color to borders, cutting gardens, and pots.

Thanks to its feathers that flutter gently in the wind and sturdy stems, Pennisetum glaucum 'Purple Majesty' is ideal for modern gardens, ornamental gardens, and cutting gardens. The plumes are also excellent as cut flowers or for dried bouquets.

Description and growth habit – graceful and striking

Pennisetum glaucum 'Purple Majesty' grows upright and bushy, reaching a height of 120–150 cm and a width of 60–80 cm. Its narrow, purple leaves form a sturdy base for the long, decorative plumes, which can reach up to 25 cm in length.

Flowering occurs from summer to autumn, the plumes creating a graceful, airy effect that is highly decorative in both the garden and in flower arrangements. Thanks to its sturdy stems, this ornamental grass is also excellent as a cut flower in vases or for dried bouquets.

Cultivation and care

Pennisetum glaucum 'Purple Majesty' is a relatively easy annual, provided the right growing conditions are provided:

• Sowing: Sow indoors in March or directly outdoors after the last frost.

• Position: Full sun for optimal leaf and plume color; light shade is acceptable but reduces leaf intensity.

• Soil: Well-drained, slightly nutritious; avoid wet feet.

• Watering: Water regularly during dry periods; short-term drought is tolerated well.

• Care: Spent flowers can be used in dried bouquets; plants can be pruned back at the end of the season.

The ornamental grass is low-maintenance and grows quickly into a spectacular eye-catcher in annual borders and pots.

Application and ornamental value

Pennisetum glaucum 'Purple Majesty' can be used in various ways:

• Borders and ornamental gardens – adds height, colour and movement to flower-filled borders.

• Pot culture – suitable for terraces, balconies and patios.

• Pick-your-own gardens – plumes can be used in fresh or dried bouquets.

• Combinations – excellent with perennials, annual flowers and other ornamental grasses.

• Modern gardens – provide an intense purple color accent and a luxurious look.

With its long flowering period and striking leaf and plume colours, Pennisetum glaucum 'Purple Majesty' is a real mood-setter in summer and autumn gardens.