Cherry Sparkler is a beautiful ornamental fountain grass which grows quickly and easily. It has brilliant red-purple hues that are sure to pop in any landscape or garden. It can be used as a stunning focal point, accent plant or border plant. It grows best in full sun and well-draining soil.
How to care for Cherry Sparkler Fountain Grass
Light. Needs full sun, which also brings out the best leaf color. Fountain grass grows poorly in partial shade.
Water. Water regularly while it settles in; fountain grasses are moderately drought tolerant once rooted. It does poorly in wet soil.
Soil and feeding. Plant in fertile, well-drained soil. Purple fountain grasses tolerate acid to slightly alkaline sand, loam or clay.
Size. Grows about 3–4 ft tall and 3 ft wide, in a vase shape with cascading leaves. Space plants 3–5 ft apart.
Problems to watch. No pests or diseases are of major concern.
Good to know. Leaves are green and creamy white with a pink flush that deepens in cooler fall weather. Burgundy plumes fade to light brown. It is a sport of the cultivar 'Fireworks', and no seed set was seen in its trials.
Sources: US Plant Patent PP22,538: Pennisetum plant named 'Cherry Sparkler' · UF/IFAS EDIS FPS-464: Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum', Purple Fountain Grass
