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Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Foxtrot'

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Photo Courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc.
 Common Name: Grass-Ornamental
Common Name (Alternative): Giant Fountain Grass

(Formerly known as Pennisetum a. 'Japonicum'.) This grass forms a dense clump of foliage as tall as it is wide. The narrow, green leaves turn a stunning golden color in the fall. In late summer, smoky-rose, bottlebrush-like plumes measuring 6-8 inches or longer are produced. As they age, the plumes develop a white tuft at the end like a fox's tail. Perhaps this is why it was given the name 'Foxtrot'!

Origin: Not Native to North America

Characteristics:



Height:
  4-5 Feet
Spread:
  4-5 Feet
Flower Color:
  Purple-red shades
Foliage Color:
  Green shades
Hardiness Zone:
5,6,7,8,9
Find Your Zone
Sun or Shade?:
  Full sun (> 6 hrs. direct sun)
Wet or dry?:
  Low water needs
  Average water needs
Need critter resistant plants?:
  Deer resistant
How fast should it grow?:
  Medium
When should it bloom?:
  Late summer
How's your soil?:
  Average Soil
  Fertile Soil
Sweet or Sour Soil?:
  Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0)
  Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0)
What's your garden style?:
  Container/Patio
  Eclectic

Attributes:

Border plants
Container
Cut flower or foliage
Mass Planting
Specimen or focal point
Easy to grow

Homeowner Growing & Maintenance Tips:

Pennisetum prefers to be grown in rich loamy soil with good drainage and full sun or light shade. However, it will grow in rocky or sandy soil as long as it remains fairly moist. This grass resents having "wet feet". This species may be proagated by seed or division.


Companions:

Common/Botanical Name
Zones  
Amsonia tabernaemontana
Common Name: Blue Star-Willow
3,4,5,6,7,8,9
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Gaura lindheimeri 'Siskiyou Pink'
Common Name: Wand Flower
5,6,7,8,9
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Rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldsturm'
Common Name: Black-Eyed Susan
4,5,6,7,8,9,10
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Gaillardia 'The Sun'
Common Name: Blanket Flower
3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10
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Sedum 'Autumn Fire'
Common Name: Stonecrop-Autumn
3,4,5,6,7,8,9
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Aster novae-angliae 'Alma Potschke'
Common Name: Aster-New England
3,4,5,6,7,8
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While every effort has been made to describe this plant accurately, please keep in mind that the height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates throughout the country. The description of this plant was written based on our experience growing it in Michigan (USDA hardiness zone 5) and on numerous outside resources.