Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Red Head’ is a clump-forming warm-season grass with narrow arching green leaves and unusually large smoky dark-red bottlebrush plumes from midsummer into fall. Mature clumps reach about 90 to 120 cm tall and 60 to 90 cm wide.
Plant in full sun in average soil that retains some moisture but drains freely. Once established, the grass tolerates drought and deer browsing. Its plumes are useful fresh or dried.
Leave the foliage and brown seedheads standing through winter for texture and wildlife value. Cut the clump close to the ground in late winter before new shoots emerge, and divide congested plants in spring.
