Purpurascens Autumn Red Maiden Grass

‘Purpurascens’ maiden grass forms a fountain of slender, arching foliage that changes from reddish green to red or orange in autumn. Silver-pink plumes appear in late summer and fall, then persist into winter. The University of Florida IFAS Extension gives a mature size of 3–4 feet tall by 3–5 feet wide and USDA zones 7–9 for Autumn Red, and describes it as a dense clump for borders, mass planting, and containers. [UF/IFAS Extension](https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/media/sfylifasufledu/santa-rosa/docs/pdfs/demo-garden-2/Maiden-Grass-Autumn-Red.pdf) ## Siting Plant in full sun and allow the clump room to arch outward. It tolerates several soil textures and occasional wetness, but provide good drainage. In warm climates the plant can spread aggressively, so monitor its footprint and site it where expansion can be managed. ## Maintenance Cut the previous season's foliage to the ground in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Divide the clump in spring when it outgrows its space.