Little Bunny Fountain Grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Little Bunny') is a compact ornamental grass prized for its soft, bottlebrush-like flower plumes and tidy, mounding habit. Growing approximately 12-18 inches tall and wide, it is one of the smallest fountain grasses available, providing the graceful texture and movement of larger varieties in a much more compact form.
In summer, creamy-white to light tan flower plumes rise just above the narrow green foliage, creating a soft, feathery appearance. As the season progresses, the flowers mature to buff-tan and the foliage develops golden tones. Its small size makes Little Bunny an excellent choice for foundation plantings, mixed borders, edging, mass plantings, rock gardens, containers, or the front of landscape beds.
More About Little Bunny Fountain Grass
- Low Maintenance
- Moderate Growing
- Perennial Ornamental Grass
- Dwarf Variety
- Drought Tolerant Once Established
- Foundation Planting, Mixed Border, Mass Planting, Edging, Rock Garden, Container
- Compact, Mounding Habit
- Soft Bottlebrush-Like Flower Plumes
- Provides Winter Texture and Structure
- Deer Resistant
Height: 12-18 Inches
Spread: 12-18 Inches
Hardiness Zone: 5-9
Characteristics
- Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Part Sun (best flowering in full sun)
- Season of Interest: Summer, Fall, Winter Texture
- Soil Moisture: Average, Well Draining
- Attributes: Clumping, Compact, Mounding, Arching
- Foliage Color: Green, Developing Golden Tones in Fall
- Flower Color: Creamy White to Light Tan, Maturing to Buff
Care & Maintenance Tips
Planting:
Plant in full sun for the strongest growth and best flower production. Little Bunny can tolerate some light shade, but excessive shade may result in fewer flowers and a looser habit. It prefers well-drained soil and works especially well along walkways or at the front of planting beds due to its compact size.
Watering:
Water consistently during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. Once established, Little Bunny is moderately drought tolerant and generally requires supplemental watering only during extended periods of hot, dry weather.
Fertilizing:
Little Bunny generally requires very little fertilizer. If needed, apply a light application of balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Avoid excessive fertilization, which can encourage unnecessary or weak growth.
Pruning:
Leave the foliage and dried flower plumes standing through winter for added texture and structure. Cut the entire plant back to approximately 3-4 inches above the ground in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
State Restrictions
State Restrictions: Pennisetum alopecuroides is restricted or being phased out in certain states, including Maryland and Delaware. Please check your local regulations before purchasing.
