Little Bunny Fountain Grass
Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Little Bunny'
Little Bunny Fountain Grass
Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Little Bunny'
Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Little Bunny’ is a compact, dwarf fountain grass that brings softness and movement to the garden without taking up much space. It has a fine, grassy texture that forms a neat, low mound, making it easy to tuck into smaller areas or use as a repeating accent.
In late summer through fall, it produces small, fluffy flower spikes that rise just above the foliage. These soft, tan to buff colored plumes catch the light and sway with the breeze, adding a gentle, dynamic quality to the planting.
Because of its size, this variety works especially well along pathways, in borders, or in containers. It’s also a great option for mass planting when you want a cohesive, low growing layer that still has seasonal interest.
It grows best in full sun and prefers well drained soil. Once established, it is fairly drought tolerant, though it will look fuller and produce more blooms with occasional watering during dry periods.
‘Little Bunny’ typically stays around 10 to 12 inches tall and about 12 to 18 inches wide, forming a tidy clump. It is well suited for USDA zones 5 through 9 and is quite cold hardy. The foliage is deciduous, going dormant in winter and returning in spring. Although sources show this plant up to zone 9, we see it thriving in zone 10 here in Southern California as well, which is why we have included this zone.
This plant has low toxicity and is generally a safe choice for gardens with pets and children.
The flowers may attract pollinators and add seasonal interest.
It is generally deer and rabbit resistant, making it a dependable option for low maintenance landscapes.
Pennisetum ‘Little Bunny’ fits especially well into cottage, Mediterranean, and modern garden designs, where its soft texture can be used to create movement and contrast.
With its compact size, graceful plumes, and easy care nature, this is a great plant for adding a light, flowing element to the landscape without overwhelming the space.
Proper planting technique will help your plants thrive! Follow these simple steps to help your plants establish quickly, develop a strong root system, and live longer:
- Properly dig the hole
- Amend the soil to suit each particular plant
- Place the plant and backfill the soil
- Provide ample water for each particular plant
- Review our how to plant guide!
For detailed information, please download our planting guides: