Also known as Fountain Grass · 983 saves
Cenchrus
Cenchrus, the genus most gardeners know as fountain grass. We track 10 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 9 most-saved Cenchrus varieties
Browse all 10 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 10 most-grown of them.
The Cenchrus year
- DivideMarch–May100% of varieties
Divide established clumps in early spring to propagate or control size.
- PruneFebruary and March80% of varieties
Cut back old foliage to 4-6 inches before new growth starts in late winter
- Check for PestsJune–August40% of varieties
Inspect the dense foliage for spider mites during hot, dry summer spells.
- FertilizeApril30% of varieties
Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer around the base as new growth initiates.
Do
- Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
- Divide every 3-4 years to maintain vigor
- Cut the foliage back to the ground in late winter before spring growth begins.
- Plant in full sun to achieve the darkest flower color.
- Provide well-drained soil to prevent winter root rot.
Avoid
- Do not shear or trim the foliage during the summer growing season.
- Do not allow the roots to sit in stagnant, waterlogged soil during winter.
- Do not plant this cultivar from seed, as it will not come true to type.
- Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot ❌
What goes wrong with Cenchrus
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Small green or black insects clustered on new spring shoots, causing minor leaf curling. | Wash them off with a sharp spray of water or encourage natural predators like ladybugs. |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing on the foliage and stippled, yellowing leaves during hot, dry weather. | Blast the foliage with a strong stream of water to dislodge mites, or apply insecticidal soap if the infestation persists. |
| 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 | Foliage yellowing and collapsing, accompanied by mushy, blackened roots at the base. | Improve soil drainage, avoid overwatering, and ensure the plant is not sitting in stagnant winter water. |
| Fungal leaf spot | Brown or black spots on leaves | Use copper-based fungicide and ensure good air circulation |
Making more Cenchrus
Division
- Dig up the entire established clump in early spring just as new growth begins.
- Use a sharp spade or knife to slice the crown into smaller sections, ensuring each has healthy roots and shoots.
- Replant the divisions immediately into prepared soil at the same depth as the original plant.
- Water the new divisions thoroughly and keep the soil moist until they are established.
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 10 distinct Cenchrus varieties. The most popular — ranked by 983 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 from late summer to late fall. Mixing early and late varieties stretches the season from summer to fall.
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.