Introduction
Little Bunny Dwarf Fountain Grass, scientifically known as Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Little Bunny’, is a stunning ornamental grass that can add an extra layer of beauty and texture to any garden. Its compact size and fluffy, buff-colored blooms make it a popular choice for rock gardens, borders, foundation plantings, perennial beds, and containers. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about Little Bunny Dwarf Fountain Grass, including its description, care requirements, landscape uses, and companion plants.
Table of Contents
- Overview
- Description
- Mature Size
- Details
- Deciduous/Evergreen
- Special Features
- Growth Rate
- Style
- Landscape Use
- Design Ideas
- Flower and Foliage
- Flower Color
- Foliage Color
- Care
- Soil and Watering
- Sunlight Requirements
- Pruning and Maintenance
- Companion Plants
- Landscaping Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Resources and References
1. Overview Little bunny dwarf fountain grass
The Little Bunny Dwarf Fountain Grass is a small type of fountain grass that grows to a height of only 10-12 inches. Its fluffy buff-colored flowers resemble a fountain, giving it its name. This grass produces clumps of narrow green foliage that turn into a golden russet during the fall season. It is a versatile option that can be used as a focal point in a garden or as part of a larger garden design.
Mature Size
Littles Bunny Dwarf Fountain Grass grows slowly to a compact size of 10-12 inches in height and width. It is a perfect fit for small gardens, courtyards, and container plantings.
2. Details
Deciduous/Evergreen
Special Features
Little Bunny Dwarf Fountain Grass is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care once it has been established. During the fall, the foliage of this grass turns into a beautiful golden russet color, which adds interest and color to your garden. This grass is also drought-tolerant, making it suitable for dry conditions. Its compact form makes it a perfect choice for smaller gardens and containers. Additionally, Little Bunny Dwarf Fountain Grass benefits birds by providing shelter and food through its plumes, thus attracting wildlife to your garden.
Growth Rate
The Little Bunny Dwarf Fountain Grass has a slow growth rate and is non-invasive, making it a great addition to gardens.
3. Style
Landscape Use
Little Bunny Dwarf Fountain Grass is a highly versatile plant that can be used in various landscaping styles, including border gardens, container gardens, rock gardens, and Waterwise gardens. In border gardens, you can plant grass along the borders to add texture and visual interest.
For container plantings, Little Bunny Dwarf Fountain Grass is an excellent choice as it can add height and movement to patio or balcony gardens. If you’re planning to create a rock garden, the compact size and fountain-like flowers of this grass make it a great addition. Additionally, once established, it is drought-tolerant, making it an ideal choice for Waterwise or xeriscape gardens.
Design Ideas
If you’re looking for ways to incorporate Littles Bunny Dwarf Fountain Grass into your garden, here are some ideas to consider:
1. Mixed Perennial Accent: Use Littles Bunny Dwarf Fountain Grass as an accent among mixed perennials to create a focal point.
2. Dry Stream Beds: For a naturalistic look, consider using this grass in dry stream beds or around rocks in natural or wild gardens.
3. Water Garden Complement: Plant Little Bunny dwarf fountain grass near water gardens to complement the aquatic features without overpowering them.
4. Container Display: You can also grow this grass in distressed cast iron, bronze, or copper containers on your porch, patio, balcony, or low walls for a rustic and stylish display.
4. Flower and Foliage
Flower Color
The Little Bunny Dwarf Fountain Grass is a charming plant that produces fluffy, buff-colored plumes that resemble a fountain. These plumes add an elegant and whimsical touch to any garden. The soft hue of the blooms can complement a wide range of color palettes, making it easy to incorporate into different garden designs.
Foliage Color
The Little Bunny Dwarf Fountain Grass has green foliage that acts as a lush backdrop for delicate blooms. As autumn approaches, the foliage transforms into a stunning golden russet, creating a breathtaking fall display
5. Care
Soil and Watering
Little Bunny Dwarf Fountain Grass thrives in well-drained, average-quality soil that is neither too dense nor too moist. It is recommended to avoid planting it in clay soils. During the first growing season, it is important to water the grass deeply and regularly to help establish a strong root system. After the initial growing season, the grass can tolerate mild drought conditions since it is relatively drought-tolerant.
Sunlight Requirements
Little Bunny Dwarf Fountain Grass needs full sun exposure, which implies it requires at least six hours of direct sunlight every day. It’s important to provide this grass with adequate sunlight to ensure healthy growth and abundant blooms.
Pruning and Maintenance
Maintaining the neat and compact form of Littles Bunny Dwarf Fountain Grass requires a few simple steps. Pruning the foliage before the emergence of new shoots in late winter to early spring helps promote fresh growth and removes any dead or damaged foliage. Throughout the growing season, spent plumes should be removed to keep the plant looking tidy. Luckily, Littles Bunny Dwarf Fountain Grass is an easy-to-care-for plant and doesn’t require extensive maintenance.
6. Companion Plants
Companion planting is a great way to enhance the beauty of your garden. Littles Bunny Dwarf Fountain Grass is a perfect choice for pairing with a variety of companion plants, such as Blanket Flower (Gaillardia), Tickseed (Coreopsis), Yarrow (Achillea), Sedum (Sedum), and Salvia (Salvia). These plants complement the foliage and blooms of Littles Bunny Dwarf Fountain Grass, resulting in stunning and cohesive plant combinations in your garden.
7. Landscaping Tips
If you want to create a more impactful visual display in your garden, consider planting Little Bunny Dwarf Fountain Grass in groups or drifts. You can also combine this grass with other ornamental grasses of different heights and textures to add depth and dimension to your garden. To create a soft and natural edge, use Little Bunny Dwarf Fountain Grass as a border plant along pathways or garden beds. Additionally, when choosing companion plants, consider the overall color scheme of your garden and select plants that complement or contrast with the blooms and foliage of Little Bunny Dwarf Fountain Grass.
9. Conclusion
In conclusion, Little Bunny Dwarf Fountain Grass is a versatile and visually appealing ornamental grass that can enhance the beauty of any garden. Its compact size, fluffy buff-colored blooms, and attractive foliage make it a popular choice for various landscape styles and design ideas. With proper care and maintenance, this grass can thrive in a wide range of growing conditions, adding texture, color, and interest to gardens and containers. If you want to add a touch of elegance and grace to your landscape, consider incorporating Little Bunny Dwarf Fountain Grass.
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Q: Can I grow Littles Bunny Dwarf Fountain Grass in containers?
- A: Yes, Littles Bunny Dwarf Fountain Grass is well-suited for container plantings. Choose a large enough container with drainage holes and use a well-draining potting mix. Place the container in a sunny location and water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Q: Is Littles Bunny Dwarf Fountain Grass deer-resistant?
- A: While no plant is completely deer-proof, Littles Bunny Dwarf Fountain Grass is considered deer-resistant. Deer tend to avoid ornamental grasses, making this grass a good choice for gardens with deer browsing concerns.
- Q: Does Littles Bunny Dwarf Fountain Grass attract birds or pollinators?
- A: Yes, the fluffy plumes of Littles Bunny Dwarf Fountain Grass provide shelter and food for birds. Additionally, the blooms of this grass attract pollinators such as butterflies and bees, adding life and movement to the garden.
10. Resources and References
For more information on Littles Bunny Dwarf Fountain Grass and other gardening topics, please refer to the following resources:
