Pennisetum 'Cayenne' is a striking ornamental grass featuring deep burgundy red foliage and dramatic bottlebrush plumes that shift to a smoky purple hue with age. This warm season grass adds intense color and motion to summer and fall displays, thriving in heat and humidity with a graceful upright arching habit. It brings dynamic contrast to lighter leaved perennials and holds strong architectural presence into late fall even after bloom fades.
Height & Spread: 36 - 48 in x 24 - 36 in
Bloom Time: Mid to late summer
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Average to well drained soil; tolerates sandy or rocky sites
Watering Needs: Moderate; drought tolerant once established
Deer Resistance: Generally unbothered by deer due to coarse texture
Native Status
Pennisetum 'Cayenne' is a cultivated variety derived from tropical fountain grass species. While not native to North America, it performs reliably in sunny warm climates and serves as a showy accent in summer borders.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Birds
- Finches and sparrows feed on seed heads left standing through fall providing a seasonal food source and habitat cover.
Beneficial Insects
- Dense clumps offer refuge for ground beetles, ladybugs, and lacewings that help suppress pest populations in the garden.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Space 24 - 36 in apart to allow for mature clump size and air flow around arching stems.
Landscape Placement:
- Use as a specimen, in mass plantings, or behind border plants to add height and late season drama. Contrasts well with lighter blooms and foliage in sunny beds or container designs.
Companion Plants
- Gaura lindheimeri 'Whirling Butterflies' - Light white blooms and delicate stems echo the movement of ornamental grass plumes.
- Salvia guaranitica 'Black and Blue' - Deep cobalt blue spikes complement the warm burgundy of Pennisetum and attract hummingbirds.
- Coreopsis verticillata 'Zagreb' - Mounding bright yellow flowers provide textural and color contrast below arching foliage.
- Rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldsturm' - Black eyed Susan’s golden rays and strong stems balance the upright presence of Pennisetum.
- Verbena bonariensis - Airy purple clusters float above the grass and weave through clumps for a layered look.