Pennisetum 'Little Bunny'

Pennisetum 'Little Bunny': Bunny-Tail Plumes in Miniature

A low tuft of fine green blades with tiny creamy plumes bouncing on top like cottontails. 'Little Bunny' is the only bunny in the garden that WON'T EAT YOUR LETTUCE.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Little Bunny'
• Common Name: Dwarf Fountain Grass
• Height: 25–40 cm (10–16 in) in flower
• Spread: 30–45 cm (12–18 in)
• Flowers: Small, creamy beige bottlebrush plumes that dry to buff and tan
• Bloom Time: Late summer to fall (August to October)
• Foliage: Fine, deep green blades in a low tuft, turning golden yellow in fall

Where to Plant: Put it where a full-size fountain grass would swallow the neighbours: the front edge of a border, a rock garden, along a path or in a pot on the patio. Plant several in a row for a soft, low edging.

Companion Plants: Agastache 'Blue Fortune' stands behind this little grass with blue spikes from July to September. Gaillardia 'Arizona Sun' sits alongside with bicolour blanket flowers from June to September. Sedum 'Red Carpet' creeps at the very front, with red flowers from June to August. Everything here stays small and loves full sun, so it suits a rock garden or a narrow bed.

Plant Care: Plant in full sun in average, well-drained soil. It can take a bit of light shade but will flower less. Keep the crown at soil level and avoid spots that stay wet in winter, since wet soil is the main thing that kills fountain grasses. Water through the first season, then only during long dry spells. Leave it standing for winter. Trim it back to about 5–8 cm (2–3 in) in early spring before new growth starts. Divide in spring if the centre starts to thin.

History: 'Little Bunny' is one of the smallest selections of Pennisetum alopecuroides, a warm-season grass native to eastern Asia and Australia. A variegated sport of it, called 'Little Honey', was later found and introduced.

Final Thoughts: Perfect for the front edge, a rock garden or a pot on the step. Deer resistant and drought tolerant. ADOPT A WHOLE LITTER.