If it is Pennisetum Rubra, then it is tender.

Yes, extremely drought resistant but tender in cold areas.
I have pennisetum 'Karly Rose', which is a pinker version and although mine hasn't started shooting yet if i do the scratch test i can see there is green underneath the outer shafts.
This one IS a hardy one.

With your 'rubrum', lift it each autumn and keep it potted until the spring, then plant it out again - that's what another of our members does with his.

Oh. Wish I'd done that!

It's a bit too much hassle for me but that other member does it each year.
I love the rubrums and am tempted to see if i'd have the patience to fiddle about like that !!!

Mmm - my problem would be remembering, Louise! Mine's in a pot, and I haven't abandoned it yet, but can't imagine why I'm being so optimistic . . . I think the GCs will be doing quite good business this spring, when we succumb to Replacement Fever.

Oh yes, i bet they will :-/

Thanks for replies. As I had divided it I will dig up on section and see whats underneath.