Pennisetum purpureum ‘Vertigo’

Description

Vertigo Elephant Grass
Pennisetum purpureum ‘Vertigo’
Growing Conditions
SUNLIGHT
Full sun to partial shade; best colour development in full sun
WATERING
Water deeply 2-3 times per week during summer; reduce to weekly in winter. Tolerates brief dry spells once established
SOIL TYPE
Well-draining, fertile loam enriched with compost; tolerates sandy or clay soils if drainage is adequate
TEMPERATURE
5–35°C; foliage may die back below 5°C but regrows from the base in spring
HUMIDITY
Adaptable to both humid summer rainfall regions and drier climates; no special requirements
FERTILISING
Apply slow-release balanced fertiliser (3:1:5) in early spring and mid-summer for vigorous growth
GROWTH RATE
Fast; can grow 1-1.5 metres per season in ideal conditions
MATURE SIZE
1.8–2.5 metres height x 1–1.2 metres spread
Did You Know?
The deep burgundy-purple foliage of ‘Vertigo’ is caused by high concentrations of anthocyanin pigments, and individual leaves can be up to 8cm wide, making this one of the boldest variegated ornamental grasses available—a dramatic contrast to its parent species which is the tallest grass in Africa, sometimes reaching 7 metres in the wild