Alopecurus pratensis 'Aureus'
Golden foxtail, Meadow foxtail, Common foxtail grass
Also known as Alopecurus pratensis 'Variegatus'
- Height × spread
- 0.5m × 0.5m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Colder than -20C (RHS H7)
- Flowers
- Spring, Summer
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
The handsome green and gold striped leaves of this plant are broad and bright, making tussocks that are decked out with golden flower spikes in summer. It grows well in a sunny or partly shaded spot with some moisture. This make an interesting front of the border plant but it needs to be divided regularly to retain its identity as a clump. The plant stands around half 1m (3ft) high.
- Flower colour
- Yellow
- Foliage colour
- Green, Yellow
- Variegated
- Yes
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Fan
- Height
- 0.5m
- Spread
- 0.5m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Flowers in
- Spring, Summer
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, likes part shade, likes light shade
- Soil type
- Gravelly soil, Loam (normal), Sandy soil
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil
- Hardiness
- Colder than -20C (RHS H7)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Ground cover
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Spring · Planting
Trim foliage
Trim foliage in spring to induce new growth and keep the plant looking fresh.
Spring - early-mid · Planting
Divide when too large
The plant can be divided if it becomes too large or another plant is required. This may involve physically dividing the clump in two, removing offsets or small bulbs or dividing rhizomes. The new plants can be grown in pots or planted in the ground.