Peruvian Lily vs Purple Fountain Grass Plant Comparison
Compare these two plants side by side — care needs, key differences, and which is right for your home.
Peruvian Lily
Alstroemeria spp.
Alstroemeria, commonly known as Peruvian Lily, is a genus of flowering plants characterized by its vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers and lance-shaped leaves. These rhizomatous perennials are primarily grown outdoors in gardens and borders, valued for their long-lasting blooms in a variety of colors, including pink, red, orange, yellow, and white. While they can be grown indoors, they require very bright light and may not flower as prolifically as they do outdoors. Their rhizomatous nature means they can spread quickly.
Purple Fountain Grass
Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum'
Purple Fountain Grass is a striking ornamental grass prized for its arching, burgundy-purple foliage and bottlebrush-like flower plumes. It typically grows in a mounded form, reaching several feet in height and width. While technically a perennial in warmer climates, it is often grown as an annual in cooler regions due to its sensitivity to frost. It is primarily an outdoor plant, grown for its dramatic texture and color in gardens and landscapes. People grow it for its ornamental value, adding movement and visual interest to borders, containers, and mass plantings.
Quick Plant Comparison
| Feature | Peruvian Lily | Purple Fountain Grass |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Full sun to partial shade. Requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight for optimal blooming. | Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day) |
| Watering | Every 5-7 days during the growing season, less frequently in winter. | Every 7-10 days, depending on weather and soil drainage |
| Humidity | 40-60% | 20-50% |
| Temperature | 15-24°C | 18-30°C |
| Care Level | Expert | Expert |
| Growth Rate | Moderate To Fast, Aggressive Spreader Via Rhizomes | Moderate |
| Max Height | 30-90 cm (indoors, typically smaller) | Outdoor: 0.6-1.5 meters. Indoor (unlikely to thrive): 0.3-0.6 meters |
| Pet Safety | ❌ Toxic To Pets | ✅ Safe |
| Soil | Well-draining, slightly acidic soil mix. A mix of potting soil, perlite, and peat moss is suitable. | Well-draining soil, such as a sandy loam or a potting mix amended with perlite |
| Beginner Friendly | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Weekly Maintenance | 15 minutes weekly | 15 minutes weekly |
🔬 Botanical Information — Comparing These Plants
Peruvian Lily
| Scientific Name | Alstroemeria spp. |
|---|---|
| Family | Alstroemeriaceae |
| Native To | South America, primarily Chile and Brazil |
| Also Known As | Peruvian Lily, Lily of the Incas, Parrot Lily, Princess Lily |
| Leaves | Lance-shaped, green leaves that twist upside down (resupinate). They are typically 5-10 cm long and arranged alternately along the stems. |
| Flowers | Flowers are trumpet-shaped and come in a wide range of colors, including pink, red, orange, yellow, and white. They often have speckled or striped patterns. While they can flower indoors with sufficient light, blooming is typically less prolific than outdoors. |
Purple Fountain Grass
| Scientific Name | Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum' |
|---|---|
| Family | Poaceae |
| Native To | Hybrid cultivar; species native to Africa, Southwest Asia |
| Also Known As | Purple Fountain Grass, Red Fountain Grass |
| Leaves | The leaves are long, narrow, and arching, with a deep burgundy-purple color. They have a fine texture and create a graceful, flowing appearance. |
| Flowers | It produces bottlebrush-like flower plumes that are initially a deep burgundy-purple, fading to a tan color as they mature. Flowering typically occurs in summer and fall. It is unlikely to flower indoors. |
📏 Size & Growth — Plant Comparison
Peruvian Lily
Purple Fountain Grass
🌱 Propagation — Comparing Plant Growth
Peruvian Lily
Methods: Division, Seed
Difficulty: Moderate
Tips: Divide rhizomes in early spring or fall. Sow seeds in spring after a period of cold stratification.
Purple Fountain Grass
Methods: Seed, Division
Difficulty: Moderate
Tips: Divide clumps in spring or early summer. Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost.
✨ Benefits & Features — Comparing Plant Value
Peruvian Lily
Alstroemeria flowers exhibit resupination, where the leaves twist upside down. They also have a long vase life, making them popular cut flowers.
- ✓ Provides vibrant colors to the garden.
- ✓ Attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.
- ✓ Long-lasting cut flowers for indoor enjoyment.
- ✓ Can be used in floral arrangements.
- ✓ Offers a sense of accomplishment for experienced gardeners.
- ⚠️ Toxic to pets
Purple Fountain Grass
Its deep purple foliage and graceful, arching habit make it a standout in any garden. The bottlebrush-like flower plumes add further visual interest and movement.
- ✓ Adds visual interest and texture to the garden
- ✓ Attracts birds
- ✓ Drought tolerant
- ✓ Deer resistant
- ✓ Provides movement in the landscape
- 🐾 Pet Safe
📅 Maintenance Schedule — Plant Care Comparison
Peruvian Lily
Purple Fountain Grass
🌞 Light Requirements
Peruvian Lily
Full sun to partial shade. Requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight for optimal blooming.
Low light tolerant: ❌ No
Purple Fountain Grass
Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day)
Low light tolerant: ❌ No
💧 Watering Needs
Peruvian Lily
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Reduce watering during the dormant period. Signs of overwatering include yellowing leaves and soggy soil. Underwatering is indicated by wilting and dry, crispy leaves.
Purple Fountain Grass
Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Signs of underwatering include drooping or browning leaves. Signs of overwatering include yellowing leaves and soggy soil.
🌡️ Temperature & Humidity
Peruvian Lily
Temperature: 15-24°C
Humidity: 40-60%
Purple Fountain Grass
Temperature: 18-30°C
Humidity: 20-50%
🤔 Which Plant Is Right For You?
Peruvian Lily
Alstroemeria spp.Experienced gardeners who want vibrant, long-lasting blooms in their outdoor gardens.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You want long-lasting cut flowers.
- You desire a vibrant array of colors in your garden.
- You have a sunny outdoor space.
- You enjoy plants that attract pollinators.
- You are an experienced gardener looking for a rewarding challenge.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You have pets that may ingest the plant.
- You lack a very bright, sunny location for indoor growing.
- You are a beginner gardener seeking an easy-care plant.
Purple Fountain Grass
Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum'Gardeners looking for a dramatic ornamental grass to add color and texture to their landscape.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You want a striking focal point in your garden.
- You need a drought-tolerant plant for a sunny location.
- You desire a plant with beautiful purple foliage and plumes.
- You want to attract birds to your garden.
- You need a deer-resistant plant.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You live in a cold climate and don't want to treat it as an annual.
- You don't have a sunny location.
- You are looking for a low-maintenance indoor plant.
🎯 Quick Verdict
⚡ Key Differences Between These Plants
Peruvian Lily has moderate to fast, aggressive spreader via rhizomes growth, while Purple Fountain Grass grows moderate.
💡 Pro Tips For Comparing These Plants
Peruvian Lily Care Tips
Peruvian Lilies are best suited for outdoor gardens due to their high light requirements and spreading habit. Indoor cultivation is challenging, requiring very bright light and careful watering. They are toxic to pets. Expect less prolific flowering indoors.
- Provide well-draining soil to prevent root rot.
- Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
- Fertilize regularly during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
- Protect from frost in colder climates.
Purple Fountain Grass Care Tips
Purple Fountain Grass is primarily an outdoor plant and will struggle indoors due to its high light requirements. It needs full sun and well-draining soil. While it can be grown in containers, it requires regular watering and fertilization. Overwintering indoors is possible in colder climates, but the plant may not thrive.
- Plant in well-draining soil in a sunny location.
- Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
- Fertilize in spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer.
- Cut back foliage in late fall or early spring.
- Protect from frost in colder climates.
⚠️ Common Problems & Solutions — Plant Care Comparison
Peruvian Lily
Purple Fountain Grass
❓ Frequently Asked Questions — Comparing These Plants
Peruvian Lily
What are the light requirements for Peruvian Lily?
Peruvian Lilies require at least six hours of sunlight per day to produce abundant blooms. A location with morning sun and afternoon shade is ideal, especially in hotter climates. Insufficient light can result in leggy growth and reduced flowering. When grown indoors, place them near a south-facing or east-facing window. Rotate the plant regularly to ensure even light exposure on all sides. If natural light is limited, supplement with grow lights to provide adequate illumination. Observe the plant’s growth patterns to determine if it’s receiving enough light. Pale or weak stems can indicate insufficient light.
How do I care for Peruvian Lily?
Peruvian Lilies thrive in well-draining soil and prefer a location with full sun to partial shade. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, but avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. Fertilize regularly during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer, focusing on a formula that encourages blooming. Deadhead spent flowers to promote continuous blooming. Provide support for taller varieties to prevent them from flopping over. Maintain moderate humidity levels. Repot when the plant becomes root-bound. Protect from frost in colder climates. Regularly inspect for pests and diseases. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
How do I propagate Peruvian Lily?
Peruvian Lilies can be propagated through division, stem cuttings, or keikis (small plantlets that grow on the stems). For division, carefully dig up the plant in early spring or fall and separate the rhizomes, ensuring each division has roots and shoots. Replant the divisions in well-draining soil. For stem cuttings, take 4-6 inch cuttings in the spring or summer, remove the lower leaves, and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cuttings in a well-draining potting mix and keep them moist until rooted. Keikis can be carefully removed from the mother plant and potted separately. Provide adequate moisture and light for successful propagation.
Purple Fountain Grass
What are the light requirements for Purple Fountain Grass?
Purple Fountain Grass requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive and develop its characteristic vibrant purple foliage and abundant flower plumes. Insufficient sunlight can lead to leggy growth, faded color, and reduced flowering. When planting, choose a location that receives full sun throughout the day. If growing in containers, rotate the plant regularly to ensure even sun exposure on all sides. In hotter climates, some afternoon shade may be beneficial to prevent scorching, but avoid placing it in deep shade, which will hinder its growth. Supplemental lighting may be necessary if grown indoors during winter months.
How do I care for Purple Fountain Grass?
Purple Fountain Grass thrives in full sun and well-draining soil. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, but avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Fertilize monthly during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth and vibrant blooms. Prune away dead or damaged foliage in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. In colder climates, treat it as an annual or bring it indoors during the winter. Provide adequate air circulation to prevent fungal diseases. Regularly inspect for pests like aphids or spider mites, and treat accordingly. Avoid planting in overly compacted or poorly draining soil. Mulching around the base can help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Protect from strong winds.
How do I propagate Purple Fountain Grass?
Purple Fountain Grass can be propagated by division. In early spring, carefully dig up the plant and divide the root ball into smaller clumps, ensuring each clump has healthy roots and foliage. Replant the divisions in well-draining soil and water thoroughly. Keep the soil consistently moist until the new plants are established. Division is the most reliable method. Seed propagation is possible but can be inconsistent in producing plants true to the ‘Rubrum’ cultivar. Stem cuttings are not typically used for propagating this grass. Keikis are not applicable as this plant doesn’t produce them. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases after dividing.
Last updated: May 10, 2026 — Plant care data reviewed and verified by our editorial team.