Also known as Cenchrus alopecuroides ‘Little Bunny’, this compact ornamental grass forms a dense, mounding clump of narrow, bright green foliage. In late summer, miniature creamy-white, bottlebrush-like flower spikes emerge on slender stalks, rising just above the foliage and adding soft texture to the garden. As the seasons change, the foliage transforms into a rich golden-yellow in the fall.
This warm-season grass typically reaches a foliage height of 30 cm with flower spikes extending to approximately 40 cm. It grows best in moist, well-drained soil in full sun to light shade; however, excessive shade may reduce growth and flowering. Cut the foliage back to about 10 cm in early spring to encourage healthy new growth. Under ideal conditions, Pennisetum may self-seed.