BBC Gardeners' World

Plant details

• Common Name: Foxtail grass
• Genus: Alopecurus
• Species: pratensis
• Cultivar: 'Aureovariegatus'
• Skill Level: beginner
• Exposure: full sun, partial shade
• Hardiness: hardy
• Soil type: moist, well-drained/light
• Height: 1.2m
• Spread: 0.4m
• Time to plant seeds: March to May
• Time to divide plants: March to June

Foxtail grass contributes lemon and lime striped foliage to brighten up a spring and summer border. Plants spread steadily but are not invasive. Unlike the similar looking Bowles' golden grass which is a shade lover, foxtail grass grows well in the sun or light shade provided the soil is sufficiently moist. If allowed to flower, foxtail grass has unexceptional flower heads which drain the colour from the foliage, and the best way to treat plants is to clip them over in spring to keep them vegetative. They can be left to self-seed in a natural border or cottage garden.