Species

Cenchrus alopecuroidesFountain Grass

7 other cultivars

grass

Chinese Fountain Grass

Cenchrus alopecuroides 'Black Beauty'

The Story

Plant Bio

Cenchrus alopecuroides is an upright, clump-forming warm-season grass characterized by its dense, fine-textured green foliage that arches gracefully to create a fountain-like habit. The species produces narrow, bottlebrush-like flower spikes that emerge in summer and persist into autumn, eventually drying to a pale brown that provides winter interest.

'Black Beauty' is distinguished by its exceptionally dark, deep purple-black flower bristles that stand out sharply against the dark green foliage. This cultivar maintains a compact, uniform mound, with leaves that turn a rich golden-bronze in fall before fading to beige for the winter.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides striking architectural structure with arching foliage and dark purple-black bottlebrush flower heads that persist into winter.

Excellent for erosion control on slopes and highly effective in rain gardens due to its tolerance of temporary wet conditions.

Offers valuable winter cover for small wildlife, and the mature seed heads provide food for foraging seed-eating birds.

SpeciesCenchrus alopecuroidesFountain Grass

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Grass

Height

39"

Width

30"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

High tolerance

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Asia, Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic (leaf margins can cause minor skin cuts)

Bloom period

Summer – Autumn

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to ensure the deepest purple-black flower coloration and maximum bloom production.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and set the plant so the crown sits level with the surrounding soil.
Water thoroughly after planting and maintain consistent moisture until the root system is fully established.
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in late winter or early spring as the first new green shoots begin to emerge.

Pro Tip

Cut the entire clump back to two to four inches above the ground in late winter before new spring shoots emerge; shearing the foliage mid-season ruins the natural arching form and delays flowering.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

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.

Don't

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.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Divide
Fertilize
Pest Check
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Mass PlantingRain GardenBorder EdgingCoastal GardenPrairie Garden

Companion Plants

Panicum virgatum Schizachyrium scoparium Echinacea purpurea Rudbeckia fulgida

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Chinese Fountain Grass questions

What zones can Chinese Fountain Grass grow in?

Chinese Fountain Grass is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Chinese Fountain Grass deer resistant?

Yes — Chinese Fountain Grass is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Chinese Fountain Grass bloom?

Chinese Fountain Grass typically blooms in summer through autumn. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Chinese Fountain Grass need full sun?

Chinese Fountain Grass does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Chinese Fountain Grass drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Chinese Fountain Grass handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.