{"product_id":"cenchrus-purpurascens-purple-lea","title":"Cenchrus purpurascens 'Purple Lea'","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePurple Fountain Grass 'Purple Lea'\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eCenchrus purpurascens 'Purple Lea'\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFamily:\u003c\/strong\u003e Poaceae\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Africa; cultivar selected in Australia\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Evergreen ornamental grass\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCenchrus purpurascens\u003c\/em\u003e 'Purple Lea' is a striking ornamental grass with deep burgundy-purple foliage and arching, feathery plumes from late summer through autumn. Compact and well-behaved compared to the species, it delivers year-round colour without invasive tendencies, making it a standout in SA's temperate and Mediterranean gardens. Ideal for borders, mass planting, and contemporary landscapes where bold texture and low maintenance are priorities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKey Features\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMature Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0.8–1.2 m H x 0.8–1 m W\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Rate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate to fast; 20–35 cm per year; clumping and upright with graceful arching tips\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFoliage:\u003c\/strong\u003e Deep burgundy-purple, narrow arching blades; colour intensifies in full sun\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowers:\u003c\/strong\u003e Soft, feathery rose-purple plumes, late summer–autumn; non-fragrant but highly ornamental\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSeasonal Interest:\u003c\/strong\u003e Purple foliage year-round; showy plumes late summer–autumn\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWildlife Value:\u003c\/strong\u003e Seed heads attract finches and small birds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTolerance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Drought-tolerant once established; heat-tolerant; frost hardy to moderate (−4°C); wind-tolerant; coastal-tolerant (sheltered second-line)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlanting Density:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mass\/border: 60–80 cm apart; feature\/specimen: 1–1.2 m apart\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePet Friendly:\u003c\/strong\u003e Generally non-toxic to cats and dogs; seed awns can occasionally irritate eyes or skin — discourage pets from chewing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere It Works Best\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSunlight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun (best colour); tolerates light shade but foliage will be greener\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e Well-drained loam, sandy loam or clay loam; avoid waterlogged sites\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Needs:\u003c\/strong\u003e Establishment: 2 deep soaks\/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 2–3 weeks in summer (weekly in heatwaves); rarely in winter unless prolonged dry spell.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaintenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cut back hard in late winter\/early spring before new growth emerges; mulch in spring; divide clumps every 3–4 years if congested\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLifespan:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8–15 years in free-draining conditions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eClimate Zones:\u003c\/strong\u003e Suited to temperate and Mediterranean SA; performs well in Adelaide metro, Hills fringe and coastal second-line sites\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil pH:\u003c\/strong\u003e Neutral; tolerates slight alkalinity\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLandscape \u0026amp; Design Ideas\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMass plant for dramatic sweeps of burgundy colour in contemporary and native-inspired gardens\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eContrast against silver or lime-green foliage plants (e.g. Westringia, Acacia cognata)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFeature in large pots or raised planters for patios and entries\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eErosion control on slopes and embankments\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy You Will Love It\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBold, low-fuss and season-long dramatic — 'Purple Lea' delivers year-round burgundy impact with feathery autumn plumes, all without the weed risk of older fountain grass varieties. A genuinely useful grass for modern SA gardens.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Adelaide Plant Co","offers":[{"title":"140mm Pot","offer_id":49095992017148,"sku":"CENC-PURP-PURP-LEA-140MMPOT","price":14.49,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/9282\/0220\/files\/cenchrus-purpurascens-purple-lea-fountain-grass-140mm-pot-adelaide-plant-co.jpg?v=1791427503","url":"https:\/\/adelaideplantco.com.au\/products\/cenchrus-purpurascens-purple-lea","provider":"Adelaide Plant Co","version":"1.0","type":"link"}