Foxtail Grass Lemon Squeeze
Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Lemon Squeeze'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Grass
Height
42 inches
Width
42 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Moderate, drought-tolerant once established
Humidity
Prefers moderate humidity
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Eastern Asia and Australia
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
The Story
Plant Bio
Pennisetum alopecuroides, or Fountain Grass, is a warm-season ornamental grass known for its graceful, arching habit and fuzzy, bottlebrush-like flower plumes in late summer. 'Lemon Squeeze' is a cultivar prized for its vibrant, chartreuse to golden-yellow foliage that holds its color even in summer heat. It produces coppery-tan plumes in late summer.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds or divisions into well-draining soil.
- Water thoroughly after planting to settle soil.
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity.
- Fertilize in early spring with balanced fertilizer.
- Mulch around base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Prune dead or damaged foliage in early spring.
Pro Tip
Plant in full sun for best color and growth; ensure good drainage.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
- Divide every 3-4 years to maintain vigor
- Remove dead foliage in early spring
- Apply a balanced fertilizer annually
Don't
- Overwater, avoid soggy soil ❌
- Neglect pruning, which can lead to disease
- Plant in poorly-drained areas
- Use heavy mulch that retains excess moisture
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Foxtail Grass Lemon Squeeze questions
What zones can Foxtail Grass Lemon Squeeze grow in?
Foxtail Grass Lemon Squeeze 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 Foxtail Grass Lemon Squeeze deer resistant?
Yes — Foxtail Grass Lemon Squeeze is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Foxtail Grass Lemon Squeeze bloom?
Foxtail Grass Lemon Squeeze typically blooms in late summer through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Foxtail Grass Lemon Squeeze need full sun?
Foxtail Grass Lemon Squeeze does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Foxtail Grass Lemon Squeeze drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Foxtail Grass Lemon Squeeze handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Pennisetum to compare
Dwarf Fountain Grass
Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Little Bunny'
Dwarf Fountain Grass
Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Hameln'
Karley Rose Fountain Grass
Pennisetum orientale 'Karley Rose'
Fountain Grass
Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Pauls Giant'
Ginger Love Fountain Grass
Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Ginger Love'
Dwarf Fountain Grass 'Piglet'
Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Piglet'
Keep exploring
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Grow Foxtail Grass Lemon Squeeze with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
