SACCHARUM OFFICINARUM. Purple Sugar Cane

Saccharum Officinarum. Purple Sugar Cane.
The Saccharum Officinarum, commonly known as Purple Sugar Cane is a clump forming perennial which can reach up to 5m. It is widely cultivated and provides around 70% of the world's sugar. Strong stout stalks are unbranched and jointed like bamboo with long arching deep red-maroon coloured leaves. Care needs to be taken as the leaves have sharp edges and sharpish points. It is the stems which contain a very sweet sap which can be consumed as a drink(we would not advise it) or dried to make suger and molasses. It also produces a wax. Plume like flowers are branched up to 60cms long.The Purple Sugar Cane provides great architectural interest and contrast to your garden, great if you're looking for a stylish contemporary feel. Perfect for growing in pots too.

Latin Name: Saccharum Officinarum.

Common Name: Purple Sugar Cane.

Origin: New Guinea.

Hardiness: Keep aboev freezing.

Growth: Very easy to grow. Deep red-maroon arching leaves, stems jointed like bamboo. Care need taking as leaves have sharpish edges and points. Clump forming. Fast growing. Grows up to 5m tall. Large flower spikes with a pinkish plume.

Sunlight: Full sun.

Exposure: Exposed/sheltered.

Soil: Well drained.

Moisture: Keep moist.