How to Grow Polypogon Plants

Guide to Growing Beard Grass and Rabbitsfoot Grass

Members of the Polypogon are perennial grasses that reach about 60 cm in height.

They carry downy flower spikes from summer to autumn.

Some common names for Polypogon include Rabbit Foot Grass and Beard Grass.

Polypogon monspeliensis

Beard Grass
Polypogon monspeliensis / Beard Grass. Both Photographs by Matt Lavin.

Polypogon Plant Growing and Care Guide

Common Names: Beard Grass, Rabbitsfoot Grass
Life Cycle: Hardy perennial commonly grown as a hardy annual by gardeners.
Height: 24 to 40 inches (60 to 100 cm).
Native: Europe, Africa, South America.
Growing Region: Zones 5 to 10. As a perennial in zones 8 to 10.
Flowers: Summer and autumn.
Flower Details: Plume-like panicles. Fluffy inflorescence. Spikelets. Whitish or purplish awns.
Foliage: Flat. Blade.
Sow Outside: Surface. First two months of spring. Spacing 12 to 20 inches (30 to 50 cm). Germination time: three weeks. Temperature 65°F (18°C).
Sow Inside: No.
Requirements: Full sunlight or partial shade. Sheltered location. Good drainage. Rich soil. Spring feed.

How to Grow Rabbit Foot and Beard Grass

it is best to grow rabbit Foot Grass (and other Polypogon) outdoors from the off. The seeds should be sown onto the soil surface in the first months of spring at about 30 to 40 cm apart. Rabbit foot grass is able to grow in both lightly shaded and sunny parts of the garden; best results will be got in sunny parts of the garden. Ideally the soil that Polypogon species grow in should be fertile.

Caring for Polypogon Plants in the Garden

Polypogon plants should be grown in an area where they are protected from environmental damage such as rain and wind. If you require more Rabbit foot grass and Beard Grass plants then they can be propagated by taking cuttings.