Pennisteum Little Bunny

Description

Pennisetum ‘Little Bunny’ – dwarf fountain grass

Botanical name: Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Little Bunny’
Common names: Dwarf fountain grass
Family: Poaceae (grass family)
Plant type: Deciduous perennial grass
Habit: Clump-forming, arching, fountain-like
Pot size: 2–3 litre pot
Eventual size: Approx. 25–30cm tall × 30cm spread
Foliage: Fine, arching green foliage forming a tiny neat mound, turning gold in autumn; deciduous
Flowers: Small, soft, fluffy buff bottlebrush plumes, late summer into autumn (August–October)
Scent: Not scented
Aspect / light: Full sun
Soil: Fertile, moist but well-drained; sharp drainage in winter; any pH
Hardiness: RHS H4 (hardy, to about −10°C); may be short-lived in cold, wet gardens; USDA zones 6–9
Exposure: Warm, sheltered, sunny
Native range: Species native to eastern Asia and Australia
Toxicity / pet & child safety: Generally considered non-toxic to people and pets

Pennisetum ‘Little Bunny’ is the smallest of the fountain grasses, forming tiny neat mounds topped by soft buff bottlebrush plumes. Adorable in rockeries, containers, edging and the very front of borders.

GardenAdvice notes

A clump-forming deciduous grass, fountain grass is grown for its arching, fountain-like foliage and its soft, fluffy ‘bottlebrush’ or ‘foxtail’ flower plumes in late summer and autumn. It is the most compact fountain grass of all, a miniature version perfect for small spaces. It loves a warm, sunny, sheltered spot and, being a little tender, appreciates sharp drainage, especially over winter.

Growing & planting

Plant in late spring in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun, in a warm, sheltered spot — sun and summer warmth are needed for good flowering. Sharp drainage matters, as cold, wet winters are its main enemy; in colder gardens it can be short-lived. Space appropriately for its size.

Care & maintenance

Leave the foliage and plumes standing through winter for beauty and structure, then cut back to the ground in early to mid spring. Water while establishing. Divide in late spring, not autumn, so it enters winter undivided and better able to survive.

Propagation

• Division: Lift and divide established clumps in late spring, as growth begins (avoid autumn division).

Pests & diseases

Generally trouble-free in a warm, well-drained spot. Its main enemy is cold, wet winters; shelter and sharp drainage are important. Otherwise little troubled by pests.

Uses in the garden

Superb in sunny, well-drained borders, gravel and prairie-style plantings, and in containers, where the soft, fluffy plumes bring wonderful texture and movement; lovely for cutting.

Wildlife value

The flower plumes and seedheads provide food for birds and add habitat to naturalistic plantings.

Toxicity & safety

Fountain grass is generally regarded as non-toxic to people and pets.

GardenAdvice tip

‘Little Bunny’ is the dwarf of the fountain grasses — tiny, neat and charming, perfect for a trough, the front of a border or a small pot where a full-size grass would be too big. It needs the same warmth, sun and sharp drainage as its larger cousins, and a spring rather than autumn cut-back to see it safely through winter.

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