Pennisetum First Knight

Create bold summer drama with broad near-black purple foliage and upright tropical form. First Knight Napier Grass forms a substantial clump of arching leaves. Red bottlebrush-like flowers may appear late in the season where frost arrives late.

Growing Guide

  • Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Part Sun
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 7 - 11
  • Mature Height: 4'–5'
  • Mature Width: 2'–3'
  • Spacing: 2.5'
  • Soil: Medium to wet, well-drained soil
  • Water Needs: Moderate
  • Growth Rate: Fast

Plant Details

  • Botanical Name: Pennisetum purpureum 'First Knight'
  • Common Name: First Knight Napier Grass
  • Plant Type: Tender Ornamental Grass
  • Bloom Color: Red
  • Season of Interest: Fall
  • Foliage: Deciduous
  • Growth Habit: Tall, Upright, and Clumping
  • Pollinator Friendly: When flowering

Key Features

  • Near-black purple foliage
  • Bold tropical texture
  • Tall upright habit
  • Possible red fall flower spikes
  • Drought tolerant once established

Landscape Uses

  • Accent plantings
  • Borders
  • Containers
  • Mass plantings
  • Tropical-style gardens

Planting & Care Tips

  • Plant in full sun to part sun.
  • Provide moist, well-drained soil.
  • Water regularly.
  • Cut old foliage to the ground after frost.

Companion Plants

  • Coreopsis
  • Yarrow
  • Gaillardia
  • Canna
  • Liriope Big Blue

Please Note: Our photos represent the variety you will receive. Because plants are living products, size and fullness may vary naturally with the season and stage of growth, while remaining true to the variety shown.

$61.75
/
Shipping calculated at checkout.
  • 375 available.
  • Inventory on the way
Size
Plant Size at Shipment: (32" H ")
  • Georgia Grown
  • High Quality Guarantee

All plants are shipped through UPS ground services.  

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First Knight Napier Grass with near black purple foliage
First Knight Napier Grass with near black purple foliage
First Knight Napier Grass with near black purple foliage
First Knight Napier Grass with near black purple foliage
First Knight Napier Grass with near black purple foliage
First Knight Napier Grass with near black purple foliage
First Knight Napier Grass with near black purple foliage
First Knight Napier Grass with near black purple foliage
First Knight Napier Grass with near black purple foliage
First Knight Napier Grass with near black purple foliage
First Knight Napier Grass with near black purple foliage
First Knight Napier Grass with near black purple foliage
First Knight Napier Grass with near black purple foliage
First Knight Napier Grass with near black purple foliage
First Knight Napier Grass with near black purple foliage
First Knight Napier Grass with near black purple foliage

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