Pennisetum Foxtrot

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.

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Cultural and Growing Info is provided below.

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.

Code PEFO

Patent

Plant Type Perennials, Grasses

Species alopecuroides

Height Tall 4' (5' in flower)

Spacing Plant 4' apart

Bloom Time Early Summer to Early Fall

Sun / Shade Full Sun to Mostly Sunny

Zones 5-9

Soil Type Normal, Clay, Sandy

Water Needs Low

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

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 from Idaho and Oregon. Idaho has restricted all potted plant material from being shipped into Idaho at this time.

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.

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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