Bulbous Foxtail Plant Care

Bulbous Foxtail (Alopecurus bulbosus) belongs to the Poaceae family within the Alopecurus genus. Bulbous Foxtail is native to the Atlantic coast of Western Europe and the Mediterranean coasts of southern Europe, northwestern Africa, and Turkey.

Bulbous Foxtail displays an upright, clumping grass growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Bulbous Foxtail produces small, inconspicuous flowers in terminal panicles.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Alopecurus bulbosus requires watering every 3–5 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.

Bulbous Foxtail thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Alopecurus bulbosus grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Bulbous Foxtail prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Moist, well-draining loamy soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Bulbous Foxtail to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Bulbous Foxtail every 8 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.

Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.

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

Divide and repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.

Bulbous Foxtail can be propagated through seeds, division.

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Bulbous Foxtail is susceptible to aphids, grasshoppers, cutworms. 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.

Bulbous Foxtail grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8a – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8a. Bulbous Foxtail is native to the Atlantic coast of Western Europe and the Mediterranean coasts of southern Europe, northwestern Africa, and Turkey.