Pennisetum glaucum Purple Majesty is a recent all American selections gold medal award winner- 'Purple Majesty' Ornamental Millet is a superb annual for a hot sunny position. "Tall, dark and handsome" describes this purple-leaved millet. Young plants are green-leaved, but as they mature exposure to direct sunlight stimulates development of purple leaf color. Mature leaves are long and slender, with a red midrib. Capable of growing 3 to 5 feet tall, the plants are embellished with 8- to 12-inch flower spikes. The immature spikes can be cut and used in floral arrangements, or left on the plant to attract birds that feed on the seeds. 'Purple Majesty' is very easy to grow and is very tolerant of heat and low moisture but you should choose a well-drained, sunny site. The plant is tropical in origin and likes warmth. The sunny location is important because sunlight strengthens the purple colour, which appears after a three-week juvenile phase. Although it can tolerate drought and poor soils, Purple Majesty responds strongly to early fertilizer applications and light watering. Picture shows Purple Majesty planted with Arundo donax variegata.
