Poaceae
Chinese Fountain Grass (Cenchrus alopecuroides)
Cenchrus alopecuroides
Easy and low-demand: full sun, well-drained soil and regular water until established, then only during long dry spells. No fertiliser needed once established. Cut all the foliage back to the ground in late winter, before new growth. Divide the clump every few years when the centre opens up. In some regions it self-seeds; remove flower spikes before they shed seed if that is a concern.
Every 7 days
Direct sun
° - °C
% - %
Categories
What is Chinese Fountain Grass?
Chinese Fountain Grass (Cenchrus alopecuroides) is a easy-care plant from the Poaceae family. Cenchrus alopecuroides, still sold almost everywhere under its old name Pennisetum alopecuroides, is a perennial ornamental grass that forms rounded clumps of fine, arching leaves shaped like a fountain. It is native to East Asia (China, Korea, Japan, Southeast Asia) and Australia. From midsummer in...
Chinese Fountain Grass grows up to 1.5m, spread of 120cm, watering every 7 days. It is not suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Chinese Fountain Grass tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Unlike many popular species, Chinese Fountain Grass is safe to keep around pets.
How to Care for Chinese Fountain Grass?
TLDR: Chinese Fountain Grass needs Direct sun, watering every 7 days, and temperatures between 15-30°C with 40-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Chinese Fountain Grass?
Water about once a week during the first year. Once established it is drought tolerant and only needs water in long droughts. In pots, water when the top few centimetres are dry. Avoid soggy soil.
How Much Light Does Chinese Fountain Grass Need?
Full sun, at least 6 hours a day. It tolerates part shade but flowers less and the clump becomes floppier.
What Is the Best Soil for Chinese Fountain Grass?
Any well-drained soil: sand, clay or chalk, acid to alkaline. It likes moisture but not waterlogging, and tolerates some salt.
What Pot Should You Use for Chinese Fountain Grass?
A large, deep pot (40 cm or more) with good drainage holes; terracotta or fibre pots help prevent waterlogging.
What Is Chinese Fountain Grass and Where Does It Come From?
Cenchrus alopecuroides, still sold almost everywhere under its old name Pennisetum alopecuroides, is a perennial ornamental grass that forms rounded clumps of fine, arching leaves shaped like a fountain. It is native to East Asia (China, Korea, Japan, Southeast Asia) and Australia. From midsummer into autumn it produces soft, bristly, bottlebrush-like spikes that start green, turn pink or purple and fade to straw. Clumps reach 60 to 150 cm tall and wide, depending on the cultivar. In cold winters the foliage turns golden tan; in mild climates it stays green. It is widely used in landscaping, in drifts, borders and large containers.
How to Propagate Chinese Fountain Grass?
Clump division
Divide when the centre of the clump starts dying out. It is the only way to keep sterile or named colour cultivars true.
- 1 In early spring, before new growth, cut back the old foliage
- 2 Dig up the whole clump
- 3 Split it into rooted pieces with a few shoots each using a spade or saw
- 4 Replant at the same depth and water well
Materials needed:
Seed
Seedlings may not match the parent's colour; many cultivars self-seed on their own.
- 1 Sow in a tray of light seed mix somewhere warm and bright
- 2 Cover only lightly
- 3 Keep moist and transplant seedlings once sturdy
Materials needed:
How Big Does Chinese Fountain Grass Grow?
TLDR: Chinese Fountain Grass can reach up to 1.5m tall with Medium growth rate.
Max height
1.5m
Spread
1.2m
Growth rate
Medium
Foliage
Semi-evergreen
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Chinese Fountain Grass?
TLDR: Chinese Fountain Grass is susceptible to 1 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Fun Facts
The name alopecuroides means foxtail-like, after the bristly flower spikes
In German it is called lamp-cleaner grass because the plumes look like bottle brushes
In India the seeds have been ground into flour as a famine food
Frequently asked questions
Are Pennisetum alopecuroides and Cenchrus alopecuroides the same plant?
When should I cut back fountain grass?
Is Chinese fountain grass invasive?
Does it need much water?
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | ✓ |
| Muriel's Bamboo | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ✓ |
| Iberian Houseleek | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Silver Birch | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
Choose & Compare
Sources & References
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox — Cenchrus alopecuroides
- RHS — Cenchrus alopecuroides (Chinese fountain grass)
- NParks Flora & Fauna Web — Chinese Fountain Grass
- Flora of New Zealand — Cenchrus alopecuroides (naturalised weed)
- Kew POWO — Pennisetum alopecuroides (synonym of Cenchrus alopecuroides)
