퍼플 마제스티(Pennisetum glaucum 'Purple Majesty' | pearl millet)

 

퍼플마제스티는 수크령과 같은 속의 벼과 식물로 원종(Pennisetum glaucum)은 인도에서 곡물로 널리 재배된다고 한다.

 

자줏빛 색상을 가진 원예 품종인 퍼플마제스티는 독특한 색상으로 2003년도 '올 아메리칸 셀렉션스(All American Selections)' 수상 품종(네브라스카대학)이다. 

 

 

 

↓ 어린이대공원 식물원

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

● Pennisetum glaucum 'Purple Majesty' | ornamental millet, pearl millet / 벼과

 

This cultivar of pearl millet has wide, deep purple foliage and stems. It forms a 5-foot-high specimen with tight cylindrical flowers of purple-brown seeds—a favorite of many birds. This plant makes a stunning container specimen. In the mixed border, its foliage contrasts nicely with other plants.

 

Thanks to a serendipitous discovery in a University of Nebraska-Lincoln breeding program, a showy version of a plant normally used for forage or grain received the 2003 All-America Selections Gold Medal Flower award.

 

The Gold Medal award is reserved for plant breeding breakthroughs, according to AAS. It's awarded rarely, typically only once or twice a decade. Ornamental Millet 'Purple Majesty', Pennisetum glaucum, is of the most exciting introductions to the horticultural market in recent years. This ornamental millet topped the floral class in AAS trials at 33 locations across North America, and earned the organization's prestigious Gold Medal for its exceptional garden performance.

 

"Tall, dark and handsome" describes this purple-leaved millet. Young plants are green-leaved, but as they mature exposure to direct sunlight stimulates development of purple leaf color. Mature leaves are long and slender, with a red midrib.

 

Capable of growing 3 to 5 feet tall, the plants are embellished with 8- to 12-inch flower spikes. The immature spikes can be cut and used in floral arrangements, or left on the plant to attract birds that feed on the seeds.

 

'Purple Majesty' is very easy to grow and is very tolerant of heat and low moisture.

 

Homeowners using Purple Majesty in their landscapes should choose a well-drained, sunny site. The plant is tropical in origin and likes warmth. The sunny location is important because sunlight strengthens the purple color, which appears after a three-week juvenile phase. Although it can tolerate drought and poor soils, Purple Majesty responds strongly to early fertilizer applications and light watering.

< http://extensionhorticulture.unl.edu/Articles/SJB/Millet.shtml >