Also known as Fountain Grass · 918 saves
Cenchrus
Cenchrus, the genus most gardeners know as fountain grass. We track 9 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 8 most-saved Cenchrus varieties
Browse all 9 Cenchrus varieties →
2 species of Cenchrus
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Cenchrus in Sow
Save the Cenchrus you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Cenchrus
Whats common across all Cenchrus varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 9 most-grown of them.
The Cenchrus year
- DivideApril and May100% of varieties
Divide large, crowded clumps every 3-5 years to maintain vigor
- PruneFebruary and March89% of varieties
Cut back old foliage to 4-6 inches before new growth starts in late winter
- Check for PestsJune and July33% of varieties
Inspect the inner foliage for spider mites or aphids during hot, dry summer spells.
Do
- Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
- Divide every 3-4 years to maintain vigor
- Prune back in late winter to promote healthy growth
- Fertilize with a balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring
- Plant in full sun to ensure robust growth and upright form.
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot ❌
- Don’t cut back in late summer when in bloom
- Never use heavy clay soil without amendments
- Avoid planting in shaded areas
What goes wrong with Cenchrus
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing and stippling on leaves, occurring under hot, dry, or stressed conditions. | Blast the foliage with a strong stream of water or apply insecticidal soap to heavy infestations. |
| Spider Mites | Webbing on foliage | Increase humidity and spray with insecticidal soap |
| Rust | Orange pustules on leaves | Apply a fungicide and remove affected foliage |
| Root rot | Wilting, yellowing foliage and mushy, blackened roots caused by saturated, poorly drained soil. | Improve soil drainage, reduce watering frequency, and avoid low-lying planting sites. |
| Fungal leaf spot | Brown or black spots on leaves | Use copper-based fungicide and ensure good air circulation |
Making more Cenchrus
Division
- Dig up mature clump in early spring
- Divide into smaller sections with roots intact
- Plant divisions at same depth as original
- Water thoroughly and mulch
Seeds
- Collect seeds after flowering
- Tuck seeds into prepared soil in late fall or early spring
- Keep soil moist until germination, approximately 2-3 weeks
Cenchrus questions
How many types of Cenchrus are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 9 distinct Cenchrus varieties. The most popular — ranked by 918 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Cenchrus grow in?
Across its varieties, Cenchrus covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Cenchrus bloom?
Most Cenchrus varieties bloom in late summer, summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Cenchrus should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.