Foxtail Cypress Plant Care

Foxtail Cypress (Agathophora alopecuroides) belongs to the Amaranthaceae family within the Agathophora genus. Foxtail Cypress is native to northern Africa and west Asia, ranging from Morocco to Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.

Foxtail Cypress displays a low spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Foxtail Cypress produces small clusters of tiny white or pink flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Foxtail Cypress every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Foxtail Cypress thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Agathophora alopecuroides tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Foxtail Cypress prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Foxtail Cypress to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Foxtail Cypress every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Foxtail Cypress is suited to USDA Zone 9b – 11b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Foxtail Cypress can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Foxtail Cypress while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Foxtail Cypress is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Foxtail Cypress can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Foxtail Cypress is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Foxtail Cypress grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Foxtail Cypress is native to northern Africa and west Asia, ranging from Morocco to Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. In cooler regions, grow Foxtail Cypress as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.