Is it Blood Grass or is it Pennisetum Rubrum? Help!

17 years ago

I am new to gardening, and even newer to ornamental grasses. I bought 6 pots of unmarked (shame on me) grasses at a benefit auction. To me they looked like blood grass. After I bought them someone told me they were pennisetum. I have been searching Gardenweb and the internet to find pictures and facts to compare these two grasses with what I have. I just can't tell what they are! My grasses are green at the base and gradually turn red toward the tip. I pulled them out of the pot and don't see any rhizomes, just roots. Are there any telltale signs that will indicate which grass I have? Thanks in advance for your help.

Comments (3)

donn_
17 years ago
If they flower, they're probably not Blood Grass. 'Red Baron' is the most common cultivar of Blood Grass, and it doesn't flower.

Of course, they could also be one of the red Panicums, or some other red foliage grass, like Uncinia uncinata (Red Sedge).

Can you post a picture or two for us? Close-ups would help.
buyorsell888
17 years ago
Fountain grass is usually much more full in the pot. It also grows up and outwards. From a clump base the top is much wider than the base. If that makes sense.

The blood grass grows straight up. No clump or fountain effect.

A photo would be a big help
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melissas
Original Author
17 years ago
My digital camera is not working, but I will borrow one from my friend tomorrow and post a picture. Thanks for your help so far.