Species

Cenchrus alopecuroidesFountain Grass

7 other cultivars

grass

Little Honey Dwarf Fountain Grass

Cenchrus alopecuroides 'Little Honey'

The Story

Plant Bio

Cenchrus alopecuroides, commonly known as Chinese fountain grass, is a clump-forming perennial grass native to eastern Asia and parts of Australia. The species produces narrow, arching green leaves and distinctive bottle-brush-like flower spikes that mature from green to buff-brown.

'Little Honey' is a miniature, variegated cultivar that reaches only eight to twelve inches in height and width. The fine-textured foliage features striking white and green longitudinal stripes, topped by small, golden-tan seed heads in summer and fall.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides striking, fine-textured variegated foliage and delicate bottle-brush flower spikes in a compact, miniature form.

Highly resistant to deer and rabbit browsing, making it ideal for low-maintenance borders.

Provides valuable cover and seed resources for local songbirds.

SpeciesCenchrus alopecuroidesFountain Grass

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Grass

Height

12"

Width

12"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Asia

Toxicity

Non-toxic (abrasive leaves)

Bloom period

Summer – Fall

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to ensure the brightest foliage variegation and maximum flower production.
Prepare average, well-draining soil, amending heavy clay to prevent waterlogging during winter freeze periods.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball, set the plant at the same depth as its nursery container, and backfill.
Water thoroughly at planting and maintain even moisture until the root system is fully established.

Pro Tip

Cut the entire clump back to the ground in late winter before new spring shoots emerge; shearing the foliage mid-season damages the growing tips and leaves unsightly brown edges.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Cut the foliage back to the ground in late winter before new growth starts.
Provide full sun to maintain the intense white and green variegation.
Ensure the soil drains rapidly, especially during cold winter months.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy shade, which reduces flower production and dulls variegation.
Do not allow the soil to remain waterlogged or stagnant during winter freezes.
Do not prune or shear the foliage mid-season as this stunts growth.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Divide
Pest Check
Prune
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Border EdgingContainer PlantingRock GardensMass Planting

Companion Plants

Sedum Echinacea purpurea Salvia nemorosa

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Little Honey Dwarf Fountain Grass questions

What zones can Little Honey Dwarf Fountain Grass grow in?

Little Honey Dwarf 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 Little Honey Dwarf Fountain Grass deer resistant?

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

When does Little Honey Dwarf Fountain Grass bloom?

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

Does Little Honey Dwarf Fountain Grass need full sun?

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

Is Little Honey Dwarf Fountain Grass drought tolerant?

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