‘Red Bunny Tails’
Perennial in Zones 4-12, 14-24; annual elsewhere
Zones vary by species
Full sun or partial shade
Moderate to regular water

Growing in fountain-like mounds, pennisetums are among the most graceful of ornamental grasses. They have long, narrow leaves and arching stems that bear furry, foxtail-like flower plumes in summer, with bloom often extending into fall. Use them in containers, in perennial or shrub borders, as bank covers. ‘Red Bunny Tails’ grow upright to about 2 ft. tall and wide, with very narrow, glossy green leaves with burgundy highlights. In spring and summer, foliage is topped by delicate, fuzzy, iridescent red flower plumes that fade to tan. Bloom spikes are 2–3 in. long, held on erect stems that bring plant height to 3 ft. Takes heat and drought but looks best with regular water.