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Lavender companion · grow guide
Fountain Grass · Cenchrus alopecuroides
Give it full sun and average, well-drained soil. It's a warm-season grass, so it greens up late in spring and is at its best from late summer through fall.
Check my zone & planting dates
Full sunLight
Moderate waterAverage drainage
pH 5.5–7.5Soil
Zones 5a–9bHardiness
48″ tall48″ wide
ResistantDeer · rabbits resistant
Not known toxicPets
Huckleberry saysTell me where you grow and I’ll check if Desert Plains will thrive there.
Hardy in zones 5a–9b
Spring through early summer, once soil is warm. Avoid late-fall planting.
Your year with Desert Plains
When it arrives
Plugs are small and tender. Pot into 4-inch pots and grow on 3–5 weeks in bright light, or plant out after frost. Keep evenly moist, harden off a week, and set the plug top level with the soil. Warm-season grass plugs grow fastest in warm weather, so don't rush them out.
Spring through early summer, once soil is warm. Avoid late-fall planting.
Set the crown level with the soil surface.
Dwarf types 18–24 inches; standard types 24–36 inches.
Most soils, from sandy to clay loam · pH 5.5–7.5
Fix-it tip: Adaptable. In heavy clay, add compost so the crown isn't sitting wet over winter.
Full sun (tolerates light part shade).
In shade it flowers less and flops open.
Don’t give up on it
Warm-season grass: new green blades don't appear until mid to late spring, after soil warms. Old tan foliage over winter is normal. Plumes appear mid to late summer.
Cut back old foliage in early spring.
Plumes appear mid to late summer.
Peak looks; leave standing.
Leave foliage up to protect the crown.
First season: Water weekly the first season.
After that: Fairly drought tolerant; water in long dry spells for best looks.
Rarely needed. Too much nitrogen makes floppy plants.
Leave foliage up for winter interest. Cut to 3–4 inches in early spring before new growth starts.
Every 4–5 years when the center dies out; divide in spring as growth begins.
Hardy to about zone 5–6, depending on variety. In zone 5, don't cut back in fall; the foliage helps protect the crown.
Loves heat and handles humidity well.
No green by early MayLikely cause: Warm-season grass waking late
What to do: Wait until late May or June; cut back the old foliage and be patient.
Dead center in clumpLikely cause: Older clump
What to do: Divide in spring and replant the healthy outer pieces.
Few plumes, floppyLikely cause: Shade or too much fertilizer
What to do: Move to full sun; stop feeding.
Seedlings around the plantLikely cause: Self-sowing in some areas
What to do: Pull seedlings; cut plumes before seed drops if needed.
Rolled, tan leaves in summer mean too dry. A dead, mushy center in spring usually means winter-wet soil.
Not listed by ASPCA; no known toxicity reported. Discourage pets from chewing any garden plant. Seed heads can lodge in fur, ears and paws.
Deer: resistant · Rabbits: resistant
Finnegan saysStill not sure what’s wrong? Ask Plant Health — describe it or add a photo.
Good in pots · 3 gallon+
Great in pots. In cold zones, overwinter the pot in an unheated garage or plant it in the ground for winter.
Outdoor plant
Needs full sun and a winter rest outdoors.
No chill needed
Warm-season grass; blooms in its first summer.
Plugs from the tray
3–4 inch pots for 3–5 weeks, until roots hold the soil
Garden bed or a 3 gallon potTime to move up? Slide the plant out: if white roots wrap the outside of the soil, it’s ready for the next size.
Planting with lavender
Plant it right alongside lavender
Works in the same sunny bed. Plant it behind or beside lavender with enough room that it doesn't shade it; the soft plumes pair well with lavender's spikes.
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