Species

7 other cultivars

grass

Fox Trot Fountain Grass

Q: What zones can Fox Trot Fountain Grass grow in?

Fox Trot 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.

Q: Is Fox Trot Fountain Grass deer resistant?

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

Q: When does Fox Trot Fountain Grass bloom?

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

Q: Does Fox Trot Fountain Grass need full sun?

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

Q: Is Fox Trot Fountain Grass drought tolerant?

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

Cenchrus alopecuroides 'Fox Trot'

$24.00

The Story

Plant Bio

Cenchrus alopecuroides is an upright-mounding, warm-season perennial grass native to eastern Asia and parts of Australia, characterized by its fine-textured, arching green foliage. The species produces cylindrical, bottlebrush-like flower spikes that emerge in late summer and persist into winter as dried seed heads.

'Fox Trot' is distinguished by its robust size, reaching up to five feet tall when in flower, which is significantly larger than compact selections like 'Hameln'. Its plumes emerge with a pinkish-tan tint and white tips before maturing to a rich golden-brown above the arching foliage.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides architectural structure with arching green foliage and soft, bottlebrush-like flower plumes that persist into winter.

Excellent for stabilizing slopes and controlling erosion due to its dense, fibrous root system.

Offers nesting material and cover for birds and small mammals, while the seeds serve as a food source.

SpeciesCenchrus alopecuroidesFountain Grass

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Grass

Height

59"

Width

59"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Eastern Asia, Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late summer – Fall

In flower about 4 months of the year

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Plant Delights Nursery

<1 Gal Pot1+ Gal Pot

In Stock$24.00

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with well-drained loam, clay, or sandy soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and set the plant at the same depth it was growing in its container.
Water thoroughly at planting and maintain consistent moisture until the root system is fully established.
Apply a thin layer of organic mulch around the base to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds without burying the crown.

Pro Tip

Cut the entire clump back to four inches from the ground in early spring before new green shoots emerge to prevent old, dead stems from cluttering the fresh foliage.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Cut foliage back hard to the ground in early spring before new growth begins.
Provide full sun to ensure robust flowering and prevent the stems from flopping.
Wear gloves when handling the foliage to avoid skin irritation from the rough leaf margins.

Don't

Do not plant in poorly drained areas where water pools during the winter months.
Avoid over-fertilizing, which causes weak, floppy growth and reduces flower production.
Do not leave dead foliage standing into late spring, as it shades out the emerging warm-season shoots.

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 PlantingErosion ControlRain GardenBorder EdgingSpecimen/Focal Point

Companion Plants

Echinacea purpurea Rudbeckia fulgida Sedum Perovskia atriplicifolia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions