Little Bunny Grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Little Bunny’) is a compact ornamental grass known for its delicate, arching form and creamy, bottlebrush-like plumes. This cultivar is one of the smallest of the fountain grasses, making it a favorite for adding fine texture to limited spaces. Companion planting involves strategically pairing plants that share similar environmental needs while offering aesthetic benefits, such as contrasting colors, shapes, and textures. Successfully incorporating this grass requires selecting companions that thrive under the same growing conditions and enhance its unique visual qualities.
Little Bunny Grass Growth Requirements
‘Little Bunny’ is a warm-season grass requiring significant sun exposure to produce its characteristic fluffy plumes. The plant performs best in full sun, though it can tolerate light afternoon shade; insufficient sunlight can lead to reduced flowering and less vigorous growth. Root health depends on well-drained soil, which is a shared requirement for most successful companions. While the grass prefers the soil to be moderately fertile and consistently moist when young, established clumps are tolerant of drought conditions. This adaptability means any paired plants must similarly avoid overly wet or poorly draining substrates. The compact nature of ‘Little Bunny’—reaching only about 10 to 20 inches in height and width—also dictates the scale and size of neighboring plants.
Specific Companion Plant Suggestions
Successful pairings rely on plants that meet the grass’s preference for full sun and well-drained soil while providing a distinct contrast in form or color.
Mounding and Fleshy Foliage
One effective strategy is to use mounding plants with fleshy foliage to contrast the grass’s fine, linear texture. Low-growing Sedum varieties, such as ‘Autumn Joy’ stonecrop, offer thick, succulent leaves and dome-like shapes that provide a solid visual anchor next to the grass’s airy movement. These stonecrops are highly drought-tolerant, naturally aligning with the grass’s needs once established.
Vertical and Structural Plants
Using vertical or structural plants achieves contrast by adding height and color above the grass. Russian Sage (Salvia yangii) is an excellent choice, sending up wispy, lavender-blue flower spikes that can reach three to four feet tall, a stark difference from the low, mounding grass. The plant’s silvery-green foliage and preference for lean, dry soil match the conditions ‘Little Bunny’ tolerates, and its long bloom time extends the garden’s visual interest.
Bolder Floral Architecture
For a fine-textured contrast, plants with bolder or more defined floral architecture work well. Perennials like Coneflower (Echinacea) or Coreopsis (Tickseed) feature prominent, daisy-like blossoms that offer a strong shape to balance the soft, feathery plumes of the grass. The bright colors of these flowers are set off beautifully by the dark green hue of the grass foliage throughout the summer. Utilizing plants like Salvia, which also favor full sun and good drainage, introduces rich purple spikes that provide strong color depth against the grass’s neutral tones.
Designing the Companion Layout
Arranging companions around ‘Little Bunny’ requires attention to both practical spacing and visual balance. Since the grass forms a dense, mounding clump, adequate spacing of 12 to 18 inches between plants is necessary to allow for its mature size and maintain sufficient air circulation. Overcrowding can lead to health issues, particularly in moisture-retentive areas.
The arching habit of the grass is best showcased when planted in groups or masses, which creates a cohesive texture that softens surrounding elements. Place companions with a vertical growth habit, such as Russian Sage, behind or alongside the grass to create a layered effect that highlights the differences in height. Position plants with contrasting flower colors, like deep purple or blue, to maximize the visual impact against the grass’s neutral green summer foliage and its striking golden-russet color in the fall.
Using the grass to define garden edges or borders provides a natural, flowing look that contrasts effectively with the structural shapes of hardscaping elements. Furthermore, avoid planting companions in overly rich soil or providing excessive water, as this can cause taller plants, like certain Sages, to become weak and flop, disrupting the intended composition. Thoughtful placement ensures the design is not only aesthetically pleasing but also supports the long-term health of all plants.