Pennisetum alopecuroides Little Bunny (Fountain Grass)

Perfect for small gardens, Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Little Bunny’ (Fountain Grass) is a miniature perennial grass forming a dense clump of gracefully arching linear leaves. Dark green in summer, they turn gold in the fall before fading to buff. The showy foliage usually remains attractive until frost.

Perfect for small gardens, Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Little Bunny' (Fountain Grass) is a miniature perennial grass forming a dense clump of gracefully arching linear leaves. Dark green in summer, they turn gold in the fall before fading to buff. The showy foliage usually remains attractive until frost. In mid to late summer, showy creamy-white flower spikes resembling small foxtails are produced above the leaves. They arch outward from the foliage clump and are particularly dramatic when backlit. They make excellent cut flowers for fresh and dried arrangements. Requiring very little care and providing almost nonstop drama in the garden, this petite warm season grass is excellent for rock gardens, containers, or the front of the border.

  • Grows up to 16-20 in. tall (40-50 cm) and 20-24 in. wide (50-60 cm).
  • Performs best in full sun. Tolerates part shade, but best flower production occurs in full sun. Although it prefers fairly dry soils and is drought tolerant once established, it also grows in moist, but well-drained soils.
  • Welcomed in any garden style, it is versatile and can be used as a specimen plant, in groups or en masse. It is ideal in beds and borders where it provides texture, color and contrast, and absolutely lovely beside ponds or streams where its graceful form is reflected in the water. Great for containers too.
  • No serious pest or disease issues. Deer resistant!
  • Cut back old foliage to the ground in late winter.
  • Propagate by division in spring.
  • Pennisetum alopecuroides species is native to Asia and Australia. It self-seeds in optimum growing and cultivars are reported not to come true from seed.
  • Find where this species is invasive in the United States.
  • Discover beautiful U.S. native plant alternatives.

Requirements

Hardiness 5
– 9

Heat Zones 6
– 9

Climate Zones 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Ornamental Grasses
Plant Family Pennisetum – Fountain Grasses
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)Fall
Height 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spread 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spacing 24″ (60cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Drought, Wet Soil
Attracts Birds
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers, Ponds and Streams, Small Gardens
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Modern Garden