Cenchrus, Black-Flowered Fountain Grass, Black-Seeded Fountain Grass
Cenchrusalopecuroides 'Moudry'

Family: Poaceae (poh-AY-see-ee)
Genus: Cenchrus (SENCH-rus)
Species: alopecuroides (al-oh-pek-yur-OH-id-eez)
Cultivar: Moudry

Category
Ornamental Grasses and Bamboo
Perennials

Water Requirements
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater

Sun Exposure
Full Sun

Foliage
Grown for foliage
Herbaceous
Provides Winter Interest
Textured

Foliage Color
Blue-Green

Height
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)

Spacing
18-24 in. (45-60 cm)
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)
36-48 in. (90-120 cm)

Hardiness
USDA Zone 5a: to -28.8 °C (-20 °F)
USDA Zone 5b: to -26.1 °C (-15 °F)
USDA Zone 6a: to -23.3 °C (-10 °F)
USDA Zone 6b: to -20.5 °C (-5 °F)
USDA Zone 7a: to -17.7 °C (0 °F)
USDA Zone 7b: to -14.9 °C (5 °F)
USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F)
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)

Where to Grow

Danger

Bloom Color
Dark Purple/Black

Bloom Characteristics
Flowers are good for drying and preserving
This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds

Bloom Size

Bloom Time
Late Summer/Early Fall
Mid Fall

Other details

Soil pH requirements
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)

Patent Information

Propagation Methods
From seed; direct sow outdoors in fall
From seed; winter sow in vented containers, coldframe or unheated greenhouse
From seed; stratify if sowing indoors
From seed; sow indoors before last frost
From seed; direct sow after last frost
From seed; germinate in a damp paper towel
Self-sows freely; deadhead if you do not want volunteer seedlings next season

Seed Collecting
Bag seedheads to capture ripening seed
Collect seedhead/pod when flowers fade; allow to dry
Allow pods to dry on plant; break open to collect seeds
Allow seedheads to dry on plants; remove and collect seeds