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.
'Purple Majesty' Ornamental Millet
Image from All American Selections
http://www.all-americaselections.org/
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.
