Pennisetum Foxtrot

PEFO Fountain Grass, Pearl Millet

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One of the Largest Fountain Grasses
Narrow green foliage forms an upright clump topped in summer with tall tan, pink-tinted 6-8” plumes. The slightest summer breeze creates beautiful flowing movement, much like the dance for which it was named. Does not self sow. Pennisetum Foxtrot is a favorite long-lived, reliable performer. This variety was formerly known as P. alopecuroides Japonicum. From Kurt Bluemel of Maryland, renowned for his breeding program of ornamental grasses.

Minus icon Plant Type Perennials, Grasses

Minus icon Height Tall 4' (5' in flower)

Minus icon Spacing Plant 4' apart

Minus icon Bloom Time Early Summer to Early Fall

Minus icon Sun / Shade Full Sun to Mostly Sunny

Minus icon Growing Zones 5-9

Minus icon Soil Type Normal, Clay, Sandy

Minus icon Water Needs Low

Minus icon Sold In Plantable Pots (3.5x3.5x4")

Special Features

  • Deer Resistant
  • Long-Blooming
  • Winter Interest
  • For a Slope or Bank
  • Hot Dry Site Tolerant
  • Humidity Tolerant

Botanical Name

Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Foxtrot'

Pennisetum General Information

Pennisetum are prized for their arching multitude of bottle-brush seed plumes over tidy cascading foliage. Showy and easy to grow; they are lovely alone, in groups and in containers. The slightest breeze produces movement. Great for drying. Good for hot dry spots. Not prone to reseeding. Ornamental grasses are restricted in Oregon.

Pennisetum Plant Care

They prefer good drainage with full sun or light shade and will even grow in rocky or sandy soil as long as it remains fairly moist. Can be divided in spring when needed. Cut back in early spring leaving 3-5" of previous year's growth.

Minus icon All potted plant material is restricted from shipping to Idaho

Plantable Pots

Our plants are grown in 3.5x3.5x4” plantable pots. Made from 100% biodegradable coconut husk fibers (coir), these pots have tremendous advantages over plastic pots. With better air exchange, this "breathable" pot fosters robust root growth and reduces transplant shock since you can plant the pots directly in the ground. The pot naturally becomes part of the soil on its own over time—no composting required—and since they're made from a renewable resource that requires very little energy, they're earth-friendly too!

100% Guarantee

We offer a 100% guarantee for all our perennials to reach you in good condition and to grow. If you're not satisfied, we'll reship or refund immediately. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have questions or concerns—we share your passion for gardening and want your new plants to thrive in your border!

Shipping Details

We use custom, earth-friendly packaging to make sure your order arrives in great condition, and we ship based on the best planting time for your growing zone (see the approximate dates below), unless otherwise indicated at checkout. If you wish, you can indicate a specific ship date during checkout.

Spring

  • Zones 3, 4: Early to Mid May
  • Zone 5: Late April to Early May
  • Zone 6: Mid to Late April
  • Zone 7: Early to Mid April
  • Zones 8, 9 10: Early April

Fall

  • Zone 2, 3, 4: Early September
  • Zone 5: Early to Mid September
  • Zone 6: Mid September
  • Zone 7: Mid to Late September
  • Zone 8, 9, 10: Late September to Early October

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