Cenchrus setaceus Seeds | Crimson Fountaingrass
LATIN NAME: Cenchrus setaceus
COMMON NAME: Crimson Fountaingrass, Purple Fountaingrass, Tender Fountaingrass
Plant Profile
Known to gardeners as Crimson Fountaingrass, Cenchrus setaceus is a clump-forming, perennial. Crimson fountaingrass is one of the most beautiful of the ornamental grasses, and its plumes of soft rose-purple floss sway and glow in the sun. Each of these traits is modest on its own; together they make a garden-worthy plant.
Science & Biotechnology
Within the Cenchrus group, Cenchrus setaceus is of continuing interest to researchers working on plant diversity, seed biology and the selection of improved garden forms. It is one of the most widely grown ornamental grasses, prized for its beautiful rose-purple plumes and its graceful form, and researchers have studied its cultivation, its varieties and its value in garden design. It retains a following among breeders and collectors, which keeps seed stocks in circulation.
Uses & Benefits
Crimson Fountaingrass brings genuine presence to the garden and earns its keep across the growing season. Ecologically, crimson fountaingrass is a striking grass of dry land. Its economic value lies mainly in horticulture. For a grower, crimson fountaingrass is an easy and rewarding grass, and for a gardener it brings glowing rose-purple plumes to summer border. Establishment is uncomplicated, and afterwards ordinary care suffices.
Sandbur grasses are mostly forage and pasture plants of dry country; a few are grains of famine regions, valued for surviving where little else grows.
Growing from Seed
Seed is the natural starting point for Crimson Fountaingrass, and the process is uncomplicated. Broadcast the seed thinly over a fine, free-draining compost, sieve a little more compost on top, and water with a fine rose. Once the seedlings have made true leaves, pot them on individually and plant out when they are sturdy and conditions are right.
Our Take
The medicinal tradition behind this species, outlined above, is a large part of its interest. Among the Cenchrus group, it is one of the more distinctive species in cultivation. Minor errors in timing or watering rarely cost the grower the crop.
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