A clumping grass with arching green foliage and showy purplish foxtail plumes in summer and autumn. Self-seeds readily and is regarded as an environmental weed in parts of Australia.
At a glance
- Plant type: Ornamental grass
- Mature size: 90 cm H × 80 cm W
- Aspect: full sun and part shade or morning sun
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Australian native
About Swamp Foxtail
Botanically, Pennisetum alopecuroides is an fast-growing ornamental grass in the Poaceae family, native to Australia. It reaches around 90 cm tall and 80 cm wide at maturity, with deciduous foliage. Purple flowers appear in summer and autumn.
Where to grow Swamp Foxtail
Swamp Foxtail suits tropical, subtropical, warm-temperate and cool-temperate climates and grows best in full sun and part shade or morning sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters.
Soil & planting
Swamp Foxtail does best in clay and sandy soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Swamp Foxtail is regular, moderate watering. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Swamp Foxtail after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Swamp Foxtail in the garden
Swamp Foxtail earns its place for a feature or specimen planting and holding soil on banks and slopes.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Swamp Foxtail with other plants that enjoy the same regular, moderate watering and tropical climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm. It combines naturally with other Australian natives in a habitat or water-wise garden.
Good to know
Be aware it can self-seed or spread into bushland in some regions — check it is not a declared weed in your area before planting.
Buying Swamp Foxtail
Plant Sale lists Swamp Foxtail as potted plants. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it lands.