Pennisetum alopecuroides
$27.99
Chinese fountain grass forms an arching green clump crowned by soft bottlebrush flower spikes that deepen from green and pink-purple to brown.
- Description
- Additional information
Description
Cenchrus alopecuroides is a warm-season perennial grass that forms a dense, arching mound of narrow green leaves. From midsummer into fall, upright and curving stems carry soft bottlebrush flower spikes that shift from green through pink and purple before aging brown, while the foliage develops yellow and tan-brown tones.
Grow it in full sun in moist but well-drained soil. Once established, it tolerates dry periods and is highly deer resistant. Use it in borders, small groups, water-side plantings, or as a cut and dried flower; cut the old foliage back after winter before fresh shoots appear.
Additional information
| Height | 60 cm – 185 cm |
|---|---|
| Spread | 60 cm – 120 cm |
| Flowering months | July, August, September |
| Synonyms | Pennisetum alopecuroides |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Propagation | Divide established clumps in spring, or sow seed in spring. |
| Pests | No significant pest problems. |
| Diseases | No significant disease problems. |
| Pruning | Cut old foliage to 8-15 cm above the ground after winter and before new shoots emerge. |
| Hazardous | unknown |
| Variegated | unknown |
| Watering instructions | Water during establishment and deeply during prolonged summer drought; avoid waterlogged soil. |
| Sunlight instructions | Plant in full sun for the strongest growth and heaviest flowering. |
| Color flower autumn | Purple, Brown |
| Color flower summer | Green, Purple, White, Pink |
| Aspect | South, West |
| Foliage | Deciduous |
| Habit | Clump-former |
| Moisture | Wet or Damp Soil, Moist but Well Drained, Well Drained Soil |
| Ph | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Position | Full sun, Partial shade |
| Shape | Mound-forming, Arching |
| Suggest planting location | Flowering borders, Rock and alpine gardens, Pond Margin, Streamside, Water Garden |
| Type | Grass |
| Use for | Deer resistant, Ground cover, Cutting Garden |
| Years to max height | 2 |
| Drought resistance | yes |
| Soil | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
| Local names | Chinese Fountain Grass |
| Blomidon Item No | MO23021419, Z1PENAL0001G |
| Usps | Soft bottlebrush spikes bring movement and late-season texture., Arching foliage turns yellow and tan-brown for extended seasonal interest. |