Fountain grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Little Bunny')

Overview

Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Little Bunny’, commonly known as dwarf Fountain grass, is a celebrated warm-season, clump-forming ornamental grass valued for its compact size and elegant texture. This cultivar brightens late-season gardens with its showy, arching flower spikes, offering visual interest long after many perennials fade. Gardeners appreciate its ability to provide fine texture contrast in small spaces or mass plantings.

Native to East Asia, this specific Fountain grass cultivar remains notably petite, generally reaching only 1 to 1.5 feet tall and slightly wider. Despite its small stature, ‘Little Bunny’ shares the desirable aesthetic qualities of larger varieties, including attractive foliage that may persist into winter. It thrives in conditions ranging from full sun to partial shade, accepting average soil but preferring consistent moisture.

Beyond its aesthetic contribution, Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Little Bunny’ offers excellent versatility due to its good tolerances, making it suitable for challenging areas like rain gardens or slopes requiring erosion control. Its low maintenance profile ensures that gardeners can enjoy the fountains of soft, whitish green blooms with minimal input throughout the growing season.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Poaceae
• Plant Type: Ornamental grass
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-9
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 1-1.5 ft
  • Spread: 1.5-2 ft
• Bloom Time: August to October
• Bloom Description: Whitish green
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Water Needs: Medium to wet
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

The best time to plant Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Little Bunny’ is typically in spring after the danger of hard frost has passed, allowing the roots to establish before summer heat. Locate them where they receive full sun for the most robust flowering, although they tolerate part shade (be aware that excessive shade will significantly reduce bloom production). This ornamental grass thrives in average soils, provided they are medium to wet; excellent drainage is not strictly required, as it handles moist locales well.

Watering should be consistent, especially during the first growing season, as the plant establishes its presence. While young plants need regular moisture, mature specimens of Fountain grass exhibit good drought tolerance once they are fully settled into their location. Fertilization is generally unnecessary; this plant prefers to be left alone, contributing to its low-maintenance designation.

The necessary aesthetic care involves cutting the foliage back hard in late winter or very early spring, just before new green shoots emerge close to the ground. Be mindful that while this plant can self-seed, cultivars like ‘Little Bunny’ do not come true from seed, though aggressive reseeding can occur in ideal conditions. Gardeners in Zone 5 should consider placing Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Little Bunny’ in a slightly protected spot to ensure reliable winter survival.

Landscape Uses

The small stature and fine texture of ‘Little Bunny’ make it an exceptional accent plant in smaller borders or rock gardens, a perfect setting for this petite Fountain grass. It excels as a low ground cover, softening edges where larger grasses might overwhelm the space. Moreover, its preference for consistent moisture makes it uniquely suited for rain gardens, stream banks, or the periphery of water features where many traditional landscape plants might struggle with soggy soil.

Use masses of Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Little Bunny’ to create drifts of soft movement and texture along foundation plantings or pathways, providing excellent contrast against broad-leaved shrubs. Its ability to handle erosion makes it a practical and beautiful choice for sloped areas. Consider pairing this ornamental grass with bolder, lower-growing perennials that share similar moisture needs for layered visual interest throughout the season.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy
• Good Cut
• Good Dried

Noteworthy Characteristics

Pennisetum alopecuroides, commonly called fountain grass, is a warm season, clump-forming grass native to grassy hillsides, roadsides, and meadows in East Asia. Features narrow, medium to deep green leaves that transition to golden yellow in fall before fading to beige. Showy, silvery to pinkish-white, bottle brush-like flower spikes arch outward from the clump in late summer, giving the plant its common name. ‘Little Bunny’ is one of the smallest fountain grass cultivars growing only about 12-18 inches tall.

Tolerances

• Drought
• Erosion
• Wet Soil
• Black Walnut
• Air Pollution

Potential Problems

This variety of Fountain grass generally faces no serious insect or disease problems, which is a significant advantage for low-input gardening strategies. However, potential issues mostly relate to its reproductive habits; it can self-seed aggressively in optimal growing conditions, potentially leading to unwanted spread beyond the desired planting area. Monitor closely in very mild climates where seeding might be particularly prolific, and ensure you are not relying on seed to maintain cultivar purity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Fountain grass suitable for?

Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Little Bunny’ is reliably winter hardy in USDA Zones 5 through 9.

How large does Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Little Bunny’ grow?

This dwarf cultivar typically reaches a manageable height of 1 to 1.5 feet, spreading between 1.5 and 2 feet wide.

What sun exposure does this ornamental grass need?

It thrives best in full sun, but Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Little Bunny’ will tolerate part shade, although flowering may be significantly reduced in shadier spots.

When does this grass bloom?

The characteristic soft blooms of Fountain grass appear from August through October, described as whitish green in color.

Conclusion

Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Little Bunny’ remains an invaluable addition to the garden due to its compact size, reliable year-round structure, and low maintenance requirements. This exceptional, small Fountain grass brings elegant texture and late-season beauty to diverse landscape situations, including moist areas. Always confirm USDA Zone compatibility before planting to ensure this grass provides reliable color and form in your garden space.

Companion Planting

Given the preference of Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Little Bunny’ for medium to wet soils and its tolerance for sun to light shade, companion plants should share a similar cultural profile. Excellent partners include moisture-loving perennials such as Astilbe (in shadier spots), blue flag iris, or Ligularia. For sunnier rain garden applications, consider contrasting textures with plants like Salvia or Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium), ensuring the companion plant does not grow tall enough to shade out your small Fountain grass clumps.

Propagation Tips

While Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Little Bunny’ is often purchased as nursery-grown starts, dividing established clumps is the most reliable method for propagating this specific cultivar true to type, as seeds will not breed true. Perform division in early spring just before new growth commences, or in early fall if the clump is small enough to manage. Cut the foliage back to a few inches from the ground, then carefully dig up the entire clump using a sharp spade and divide it into sections, ensuring each new division has a healthy root system attached. Replant immediately into prepared, moist soil.