Cenchrus purpurascens 'Purple Lea' featuring dramatic burgundy-purple arching foliage, creating bold colour, texture and movement in a sunny Brisbane garden.
Cenchrus purpurascens 'Purple Lea' featuring dramatic burgundy-purple arching foliage, creating bold colour, texture and movement in a sunny Brisbane garden.

Cenchrus purpurascens, 'Purple Lea'
LOVES FULL SUN
MINIMUM WATER REQUIRED
  • Subject to seasonality, please contact us to check availability
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Cenchrus purpurascens 'Purple Lea' for Brisbane Gardens

Cenchrus purpurascens 'Purple Lea' is a striking ornamental grass grown for its dramatic burgundy-purple foliage, graceful arching habit and ability to add colour and movement to the garden throughout the warmer months. Formerly classified as Pennisetum purpureum, this bold grass creates an instant focal point in contemporary, tropical and naturalistic Brisbane landscapes.

Purple Lea® Cenchrus boasts feathery purple flowers that are showy and contrast with its full sized green foliage. It has a clumping growth habit with beautifully arching leaves.

The native Australian varieties have a much wider plume than the exotic variety, and are non-invasive making them a safer choice. 

Growing to approximately 1–1.5m high and wide, 'Purple Lea' forms impressive clumps of deep purple foliage that intensifies in colour during periods of strong sunlight. The broad leaves sway beautifully in the breeze, adding texture, movement and year-round interest to garden beds.

Whether used as a feature specimen, mass planting or screening element, 'Purple Lea' delivers bold colour and architectural presence with minimal maintenance.

Why Grow Cenchrus 'Purple Lea'?

  • Rich purple foliage – Outstanding colour contrast in the landscape
  • Architectural form – Creates height, structure and movement
  • Heat & humidity tolerant – Well suited to Brisbane conditions
  • Low maintenance – Easy-care once established
  • Versatile design plant – Ideal for contemporary, tropical and naturalistic gardens

How to Grow & Care for Cenchrus 'Purple Lea'

  • Sun: Full sun for best foliage colour
  • Water: Moderate while establishing, drought tolerant once established
  • Soil: Well-drained soil enriched with organic matter
  • Maintenance: Cut back old foliage in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh growth

For gardeners wanting dramatic foliage colour and year-round impact, Cenchrus purpurascens 'Purple Lea' is an outstanding choice. Its bold purple leaves, strong architectural form and resilience make it a valuable feature plant in Brisbane gardens.