Pennisetum alopecuroides Foxy | Fountain Grass

Pennisetum alopecuroides Foxy is an elegant perennial ornamental grass with fresh green foliage and long, dark, fluffy flower plumes. It develops a strong, upright, clump-forming habit and reaches approximately 80 cm in height.

Foxy is a heat-tolerant ornamental grass that creates beautiful structure and movement in the garden. It is particularly attractive as a specimen plant, in perennial borders, landscape plantings and large containers.

Plant Information

• Botanical name: Pennisetum alopecuroides
• Variety: Foxy
• Common name: Fountain Grass
• Plant type: Perennial ornamental grass
• Height: Approx. 80 cm
• Width: Approx. 45 cm
• Foliage: Green
• Flower plumes: Long and dark
• Growth habit: Upright, clump-forming
• Exposure: Sun – partial shade
• From sowing to finished plant: Approx. 84–98 days
• Germination: Approx. 3–6 days
• Germination temperature: 20–22°C
• Hardiness: USDA Zones 5–9
• Seed form: Raw seed
• Use: Borders, pots, perennial plantings and landscaping

Sowing & Growing

Sow 4–6 seeds per plug or small pot and lightly cover with fine substrate. Light is not required for germination.

Keep at 20–22°C until germination, which usually takes approximately 3–6 days. After germination, reduce the temperature to around 18–20°C.

Transplant once the young plants have developed a healthy root system.

Light & Location

Choose a sunny to partially shaded position. High light levels encourage strong, upright growth and good flower plume development.

Foxy is a warm-season grass and grows particularly well during warm summer conditions.

Watering & Feeding

Keep young seedlings evenly moist during establishment. Once established, allow the soil to dry moderately between waterings.

Avoid both prolonged drought stress and waterlogged conditions. A well-drained soil or growing substrate is important.

Feed moderately with a balanced fertiliser. Excessive feeding is unnecessary and can encourage softer growth.

Flowering

Foxy develops impressive long, dark flower plumes above its fresh green foliage, creating a soft and architectural effect.

The plumes add movement and texture to perennial borders and become particularly attractive in late-summer and autumn plantings.

Winter Hardiness

Foxy is a perennial ornamental grass suitable for approximately USDA Hardiness Zones 5–9.

Young plants should be well established before winter. Good drainage is especially important during the colder months.

Perfect for

Perennial borders • Large pots • Landscape planting • Specimen planting • Naturalistic gardens • Late-summer and autumn displays

Pennisetum alopecuroides Foxy is an excellent choice for gardeners looking for an easy-to-grow perennial ornamental grass with an upright habit, elegant dark plumes and beautiful movement in the garden.