Gardening 101: Red Bunny Tails (Pennisetum messiacum) Care & Growing Guide
Vivid crimson plumes bring playful texture and low-maintenance elegance to garden design.
Gardening 101: Red Bunny Tails (Pennisetum messiacum)
Red Bunny Tails (Pennisetum messiacum) is an ornamental grass celebrated for its whimsical, fuzzy flower spikes resembling the tails of rabbits, dyed in shades of deep red to burgundy. This compact and versatile grass infuses summer borders, containers, and groundcovers with texture, movement, and color. Its easy care and eye-catching beauty make it a favorite among home gardeners seeking a unique but low-maintenance addition to their landscapes.
What Are Red Bunny Tails?
Red Bunny Tails are a clump-forming perennial or annual grass, depending on your climate zone. Native to grasslands, this variety stands out for its vivid deep red or crimson flower heads held high above green, sometimes burgundy-tinged arching foliage. The effect is airy yet bold, with flower plumes persisting from mid-summer through autumn, retaining interest even as the garden transitions into fall .
Plant Profile at a Glance
- Common Name: Red Bunny Tails, Red Buttons
- Botanical Name: Pennisetum messiacum (sometimes listed as Pennisetum massaicum)
- Family: Poaceae
- Type: Herbaceous perennial or annual grass
- Origin: Grasslands of Africa and Asia
Growth Habit & Size
- Height: 18â36 inches (46â91 cm)
- Spread: 18â24 inches (46â61 cm), sometimes wider in ideal conditions
- Clump-forming: Grows as a neat, arching tuft or mound
- Flower Shade: Deep red, pink-red, to burgundy-black
- Foliage: Fresh green, with occasional burgundy sheath highlights
Main Features
- Showy flower spikes: Persist through summer and fall
- Heat and drought tolerant
- Deer resistant
- Low-maintenance: Minimal pruning or deadheading needed
- Suitable for containers, borders, and groundcover applications
Where to Plant Red Bunny Tails
Red Bunny Tails thrive in full sun and require well-drained soil. Their tolerance for various soil types, including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, makes them highly adaptable. The best spots for this ornamental grass include:
- Sunny bordersâas contrast among perennials and blooming annuals
- Container plantingsâfor patios, rooftop gardens, or entryways
- Groundcoverâin mass plantings for sweep and texture
- Mixed beds: as a transition between perennials and shrubs for bold accent
Exposure preference: Select a site with east, west, or south-facing sunlight. Avoid low-lying, waterlogged ground, as Red Bunny Tails dislike sogginess through winter.
Design Ideas with Red Bunny Tails
- Edge a gravel path or stone walkway with a repeated row for softness and movement
- Contrast their dramatic spikes with compact evergreens or broad-leaved perennials
- Mix with silver or variegated foliage (like Festuca or Stachys) for textural interest
- Incorporate into prairie-style meadow gardens or along dry slopes
- Plant near birdbaths and water features to soften hardscaping and shelter small wildlife
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How to Grow: Siting, Soil, and Light
Light Requirements
- Full sun (6+ hours per day) is essential for healthy growth and maximum color intensity
- Can tolerate partial sun but with reduced flowering and vigor
Soil and Drainage
- Light, well-drained soils are ideal (amend clay or compacted ground with grit or compost)
- Tolerates a range of pH (acid, neutral, alkaline)
- Prefers moist but not soggy conditions; established plants handle some drought
Watering
- Water young plants regularly until established
- Mature clumps are moderately drought tolerant but benefit from supplemental watering during hot, dry periods
- Avoid overwateringâroots can rot in soggy soils
Care and Maintenance
Pruning and Tidying Up
- Prune old foliage in late winter or early spring, before new growth emerges
- Deadheading is not necessary; flower spikes retain ornamental value into fall
- If winter-killed or looking untidy, shear off dead tops and clean up the base
Dividing and Propagation
- Division: Divide clumps in spring as active growth begins (avoid autumn division for evergreen types)
- From Seed: Sow indoors in early spring (temperatures of 55°â65°F / 13°â18°C); transplant outdoors after last frost
Tip: In freezing climates (zones colder than 7), grow Red Bunny Tails as annualsâthey won’t survive subzero winters but can be replanted easily each spring.
Disease and Pest Management
- Deer resistantâseldom grazed
- Common issues: Watch for rust, eye spot, or leaf spot diseases in humid conditions. Remove affected leaves and improve air flow if needed.
- Rarely troubled by insect pests
Zones and Hardiness
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 7â9 as a perennial; grow as an annual outside these zones
- Evergreen in warm climates: In mild-winter areas, foliage remains green all year and growth resumes in spring
- Annual north of zone 7: Plants will not survive sustained freezing temperatures
Companion Plants and Arrangements
Use Red Bunny Tails to add movement and contrast in mixed beds or container combinations. Its form and coloring complement various plant partners:
- Other ornamental grasses: Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubrum’, Miscanthus sinensis, Stipa gigantea
- Perennials with bold blooms: Rudbeckia, Echinacea, Gaillardia
- Ground covers: Sedums, creeping thyme, Carex species
- Silver or gray-foliage plants: Artemisia, lavender, Festuca
- Salvias, verbena, or cosmos for a meadow-inspired look
Sample Container Recipe
- Center: 1 Red Bunny Tails as a focal point
- Surround with trailing silver dichondra and purple verbena
- Add low-growing marigolds or petunias for a pop of annual color
Propagation Step-by-Step
Dividing Established Clumps
- Wait until early spring, just as new growth appears
- Lift the entire clump with a garden fork
- Divide into smaller sections, each with roots attached
- Replant divisions immediately in prepared soil with the crown just below the surface
- Water and mulch lightly
Growing from Seed
- Start seeds indoors 6â8 weeks before the last expected frost
- Sow in trays or pots at 55°â65°F (13°â18°C)
- Keep evenly moist and provide bright light
- When seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant outdoors after frost danger has passed
Landscaping with Red Bunny Tails: Ideas & Inspiration
This grass is highly versatile, fitting various garden styles:
- Modern minimalist: Mass plant in geometric beds for bold texture
- Cottage gardens: Use among perennials and soft shrubs for a playful accent
- Xeriscapes: Take advantage of drought-tolerance plus visual punch
- Wildlife gardens: Birds may shelter among the clumps or use plumes for nesting materials
- Cuts & Crafts: Use dried spikes in flower arrangements
Table: Key Growing Details
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 18â36 in (46â91 cm) |
| Spread | 18â24 in (46â61 cm) |
| Light | Full sun |
| Soil | Well-drained; loam, sand, chalk, or clay |
| Water | Medium (drought-tolerant once established) |
| Flower color | Deep red, burgundy |
| Bloom Time | Summer to autumn |
| Hardiness Zones | 7â9 (perennial), annual elsewhere |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Deer Tolerance | High |
Common Problems and Solutions
- Disease: Susceptible to rust, eye spot, and leaf spotsâimprove air circulation and remove affected growth
- Overwatering: Causes root rotâensure soil drains freely
- Winter dieback: In cold climates, plant will not return in spring; treat as annual and replant
Maintenance Tips
- Mulch lightly to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
- Avoid heavy feedingâtoo much fertilizer promotes floppy growth
- Cut back in late winter for tidiness and a strong flush of spring growth
- Remove old or spent flower plumes if they detract from the gardenâs look
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is Red Bunny Tails invasive?
A: No, Red Bunny Tails forms tidy clumps and does not spread aggressively. It rarely self-seeds in most home gardens, remaining a well-contained ornamental accent.
Q: Is it safe for pets and children?
A: Yes, this grass is non-toxic to pets and children. The soft inflorescences are free from sharp edges, though some children may find them tempting to touch.
Q: Will Red Bunny Tails survive my winter?
A: Red Bunny Tails is perennial only in zones 7â9. In colder areas, enjoy it as an annual and replant in spring. Container-grown plants can sometimes be overwintered in an unheated greenhouse or cool, frost-free garage.
Q: Does it need to be deadheaded?
A: No. The plumes persist and add winter structure. If you prefer a tidier look, remove old spikes as desired.
Q: How can I encourage more flowers?
A: Plant in the sunniest spot with well-drained soil and avoid over-feeding. Moderate watering and occasional division will keep clumps vigorous and blooming well.
Summary & Final Thoughts
With their irresistible texture, charming color, and low-maintenance reputation, Red Bunny Tails offer lasting summer-to-fall appeal for both beginner and expert gardeners. Whether edging a walkway, starring in a container, or animating a perennial border, this grass rewards with playful beauty and reliable performance. Make space for Red Bunny Tails in your garden design, and enjoy a long season of subtle movement and eye-catching hues.
References
- https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/pennisetum/red-bunny-tails-fountain-grass-pennisetum-messiacum
- https://www.finegardening.com/plant/red-bunny-tails-pennisetum-messiacum-red-buttons
- https://www.finegardening.com/plant/bunny-tails-pennisetum-messiacum
- https://www.gardenista.com/posts/vineyard-haven-a-napa-valley-garden-that-belongs-to-the-land-scott-lewis-landscape-architect-visit/
- https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/271611/pennisetum-massaicum-red-bunny-tails/details
- https://www.gardenista.com/tag/pennisetum/
- https://www.smgrowers.com/products/plants/plantdisplay.asp?plant_id=4170
- https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/pennisetum
- https://www.gardenista.com/tag/plants-seeds/page/2/
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