Pennisetum – ‘Little Bunny’ – Miniature Fountain Grass – Pennisetum alopecuroides
Resists: Deer
Grass
Fall Interest
Foliage Interest
Small / Miniature
Maintenance Notes
This ornamental grass grows best in rich, well-drained soil and full sun to light shade. It does not tolerate wet soil. Leave foliage standing through winter if desired, but cut back before new growth appears in spring.
Needs Good Drainage
Maintenance Category Easy
Water Category Average
Bloom Time
Flower Form Border Plant, Container, Cut Flower, Edging Plant, Mass Planting
Soil Fertility Average Soil, Fertile Soil
Soil PH Category Acidic Soil, Neutral Soil
pH B - pH 5.8 - 6.2, C - pH 6.0 - 6.5
EC (2:1 Extraction Method) 0.6 - 1.3
Fertilization 100 - 150
Light Requirements High
Water Requirements Moderate to Moist
Rooting Out Temperature 65 - 72° Fahrenheit
Growing On Temperature 65 - 75° Fahrenheit
Holding Temperature 40 - 50° Fahrenheit
Planting and Timing Information
Late Spring to Fall Sales. Standard PPP.
Finishing Times [weeks]
4-5" and Quart Pot : 4-8
6" and Gallon Pot : 6-9
7-9" Pot : 8-10
10-12" and Two Gallon Pot : 9-11
Pinching and Growth Regulators
No pinching or growth regulators needed. Plants can be trimmed back to control height and increase bushiness. Do not trim back more than 1/2 the height of the plant at any one time.
Plants grown outside should not need growth regulators.
If growth regulation is needed on 'Desert Plains,' Bonzi is effective.
Burgundy Bunny and does not need growth regulators.
Pest and Disease Management
General pest and disease practices as listed in notes. Scout for spider mites and treat as necessary.
Grower Tips
-'Desert Plains' flowers later than Hameln and the seed heads are larger and showier. Due to the later flowering, reseeding is less problematic.
-It can be grown and sold for foliage for Late Spring through Mid Summer and will be flowering for Late Summer and Fall sales.
-Avoid planting too high or too deeply as either can cause problems. Plant even with the liner.
-'Desert Plains' is best suited for gallon or larger production.
-Burgundy Bunny is best suited for 4.5" to gallon production.
-Vernalization is required for flowering, however, the plants are often grown as foliage plants in which case vernalization can be skipped.
