Bunny tail grass, whose botanical name is Lagurus ovatus, is a cute ornamental grass that is known for its fluffy, cotton-like seed heads that look like cute bunny tails. People love this annual warm-season grass because it gives gardens and flower arrangements a unique look and feel.
If you’re considering planting bunny tail grass, you may be wondering – does bunny tail grass come back every year? Let’s take a closer look at what makes this grass so charming and the answer to whether it returns on its own each spring.
About Bunny Tail Grass
Bunny tail grass is native to the Mediterranean region and grows to a petite size of 8-20 inches tall and 12-16 inches wide. The foliage is slender and grassy, but the real showstoppers are the fuzzy seed heads that emerge in late spring and last through midsummer.
These seed heads start out as pale green panicles that turn bright white and then beige as they age. Bunny tail grass gets its cute name from the oval, fluffy shape of its leaves. It’s also called rabbit’s tail grass, hare’s tail grass, and Turk’s head grass. Dwarf cultivars reaching just 10 inches tall are available too.
The seed heads have an irresistibly soft, touchable texture. Bunny tail grass thrives in heat and full sun exposure. It’s also quite drought tolerant once established, making it an easy care option.
Is Bunny Tail Grass a Perennial?
The important question now is whether bunny tail grass comes back every year. The answer is no.
Bunny tail grass is an annual plant, meaning it completes its entire lifecycle of germination, growth, flowering, seed set, and death within a single growing season. Annuals must be replanted each year to enjoy their beauty again.
On the other hand, perennials stay in place for many years after they are planted. Their roots stay alive over the winter and grow new leaves every spring. Bunny tail grass doesn’t grow back on its own because it doesn’t have this kind of perennial root system.
However, bunny tail grass does self-seed readily if seed heads are left to mature on the plant. These self-sown seedlings may pop up in the garden the following year. But the original annual plants will not return.
Growing Zones for Bunny Tail Grass
Since it originates from the Mediterranean region, bunny tail grass thrives in warm temperatures and full sun It can grow as a perennial in USDA Hardiness Zones 8-10
In Zones 4-7, bunny tail grass will perform as an annual. It can be grown for one season before winter frosts kill the foliage. Just replant each spring for more bunny tails!
How to Grow Bunny Tail Grass from Seed
Starting bunny tail grass from seed is quite easy. In early spring after the last frost date, sow seeds directly in the garden. Plant seeds 1⁄4 inch deep and keep them consistently moist. Seedlings should emerge within 2-3 weeks.
When they are large enough, thin to 12 inches apart. You can also get a head start by sowing indoors 4-6 weeks before your frost free date. Transplant seedlings out once the weather warms up.
Make sure to give bunny tail grass full sun exposure of at least 6 hours per day. Well-draining soil is ideal, but it adapts to most soil types if drainage is adequate. Avoid wet, soggy conditions.
Bunny tail grass care is minimal – just water occasionally until plants mature. Then let the soil dry between waterings. Remove spent seed heads to encourage more blooms. That’s all it takes to grow a bounty of delightful bunny tails!
Caring for Bunny Tail Grass
Follow these simple care tips once your bunny tail grass is established:
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Water deeply after planting, then allow soil to dry before re-watering. Avoid constant soggy soil.
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Apply light fertilizer, if at all, to prevent flopping. Excess nitrogen causes weakness.
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Remove faded seed heads to promote more blooms. Also prevents unwanted self-seeding.
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Cut back dead foliage after first frost in fall.
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Clean up and compost old plant debris at end of season.
Take advantage of bunny tail grass’s natural drought tolerance and low maintenance needs. Just give it full sun, well-drained soil, and occasional watering for optimal results.
Can Bunny Tail Grass be Overwintered?
Unfortunately, bunny tail grass is not a perennial so it cannot be overwintered. As an annual, the plants will die off completely with freezing winter temperatures.
However, bunny tail grass may self-sow if mature seed heads are left on the plants in fall. To encourage self-seeding:
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Allow some spent seed heads to remain on the plants instead of deadheading them all.
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Let plants die back naturally instead of pulling them out.
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Delay fall garden cleanup where bunny tails grew until after hard frost.
There are no guarantees, but self-seeding is common if conditions allow. These self-sown plants can provide free bunny tails the following year without having to replant!
Using Bunny Tail Grass in the Garden
Thanks to its rounded shape and neutral grassy color, bunny tail grass complements almost any garden style. Here are some creative ways to use it:
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Plant in groups or clusters for maximum visual impact.
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Edge walkways and borders for fun texture.
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Mix with flower bed plants and container gardens.
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Allow self-seeding in informal areas.
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Tuck into empty spaces for interest.
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Feature in rock gardens, xeriscapes, or Mediterranean gardens.
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Grow dwarf types in window boxes and pots.
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Line vegetable gardens for ornamental appeal.
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Surround rose bushes or trellises.
Let your imagination run wild with versatile bunny tail grass! Change up where you situate it each season for fresh excitement in your garden.
Troubleshooting Bunny Tail Grass Issues
Problems are uncommon, but here are some potential issues and solutions with growing bunny tail grass:
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Poor germination – Old seed can have low viability. Always use fresh seed.
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Small seed heads – Insufficient sun or overcrowding causes stunted size. Give ample space and light.
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Floppy foliage – Overwatering or too much nitrogen fertilizer leads to weakness. Allow soil to dry out more between waterings and reduce feeding.
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No self-seeding – Deadhead spent blooms or clean up garden too soon. Allow some seed heads to mature on plants.
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Excess self-seeding – Deadhead before seed heads open fully. Promptly remove plant debris in fall.
Providing the proper growing conditions will prevent most issues with bunny tail grass. Address any problems right away to get your plants thriving again.
The Appeal of Bunny Tail Grass
While bunny tail grass does need to be replanted every year, its rapid growth, minimal care, and delightful blooms make it a joy to include in the garden. When spring approaches again, give this annual grass a try for a dose of whimsy and texture.
Let some seed heads mature on the plants to potentially get free self-seeded bunny tails the following season. The fleeting nature of this grass is part of its beauty – you get to reinvent how you use it each year!
For fast, easy, and eye-catching results, it’s hard to beat bunny tail grass. A little extra effort replanting annually is worthwhile to enjoy the unique beauty of its cottony blooms. Add some playfulness and nostalgia to your garden with bunny tail grass.
Sowing advice Bunny Tails
BUNNY TAILS IN THE GARDEN: Unlike most ornamental grasses, bunny tails are annuals and need to be replanted every year. However, because they grow so quickly and aren’t very big, you can make a neat, compact mound every season. Add them to your xeriscaping scheme, or along walkways where you can reach down and touch the soft, velvety leaves and silky-soft, fluffy heads. Watch the panicles turn from spring green to tan, matched in pace and color by the foliage. There is something comforting about the fact that bunny ears’ “flowers” keep coming back even when everything else is closing for the season. Youll want to grow them in small clusters for the best “clumping” effect, given that each seed produces only a few leaves and heads. Sunlight Requirements: Full sun; bunny tails thrive in heat and sunshine. Mature plants, particularly those kept in containers, will tolerate light or afternoon shade. Soil Preferences: Lagurus ovatus seems to prefer soil on the sandy side, but any well-draining substrate will do). pH: Neutral (6. 5 to 7. 5) Watering Requirements: Moderate to light. Bunny tails are drought-resistant. Allow the soil around them to dry in between watering once theyve passed the seedling stage. Flowers: The “tails” are actually clusters of tiny flowers called panicles growing up to 6cm (2. 5″) long. They start out as a pale green color and turn bright white as they grow. At the end of their growth cycle, they turn a creamy beige color. Bunny tails, as their name implies, are oval in shape but often somewhat tapered. The leaves are long, narrow, and pointy. They are gray-green and velvety, and they are more flexible than the leaves of many other ornamental grasses. When it blooms: late spring to midsummer. When the panicles go to seed, the wind tends to tear them up. Pests & Diseases: Bunny tails arent particularly prone to pests or diseases. Maintenance: Bunny tails is low-maintenance. Deadhead panicles before the seeds begin to loosen to prevent naturalization and remove faded plants after the first fall frost so you can start anew in spring. Harvesting: Snip entire stems, at any stage of maturity, for floral displays or crafts. Hang them, inverted, to dry in a well-ventilated area. GROWING BUNNY TAILS FROM SEEDS As we mentioned above, we recommend planting about a dozen seeds (give or take) in each planting location or 10 x 10cm (4″ by 4″) plastic seedling pot. You can grow them in smaller cell-type trays (with fewer seeds per cell, of course) and group the plants from each cell into one area, but putting too many seeds together will make them less likely to germinate and weaken the seedlings. At Fontana Seeds we recommend leaving a portion of the collar above ground. This will help keep the seeds from straying from their spot in wet weather. As the seedlings grow, you can remove the collars. Since bunny tails reproduce from seed, the collars wont prevent them from running, but they do help contain plants that rapidly reproduce through rhizomes. Direct Sow: Plant your bunny tails seeds when there is no longer any risk of frost and the soil is 70°F. Start Indoors: Plant seeds in a well-drained substrate 4-6 weeks before your areas last frost date. Put your seedlings in a bright window or use a fluorescent grow light over them. Bunny tails need a lot of light to get going. Seed Depth: 0. 5cm (1/4″) Seed/Plant Spacing: Plant clusters of seeds (or emergent seedlings) 25-30cm (10″ to 12″) apart. Germination: 21 to 25 days Protect your bunny tail seeds from heavy spring rains or overzealous hose spraying until the plants are well-established. You can move your indoor starts outside once they have grown and shed their husks and the soil has warmed up.
Growing Big Bunny Tails!
FAQ
Is bunny tail grass annual or perennial?
Bunny Tail Grass is one of the few annual plants that offer year-round beauty.
Does bunny tail grass reseed?
Bunny tail grass has few pest issues and is really only bothered by mildew diseases and moist conditions. The plant does tend to self-seed and should have the inflorescences removed before they ripen.
What kind of grass comes back every year?
Perennial grasses are ones that return on their own each year, so you only need to plant them once. An example of a hardy perennial grass is Prairie Winds® ‘Cheyenne Sky’ switch grass, pictured here.
Is bunny tails grass invasive?
While generally not considered highly invasive, bunny tail grass (Lagurus ovatus) can be invasive in certain contexts. It’s native to the Mediterranean region and has naturalized in other areas, sometimes becoming a problem outside its native range.
Can you grow Bunny tail grass from seed?
This Mediterranean native is also called hare’s tail grass or rabbit’s tail grass. It’s easy to grow bunny tail grass from seeds, but you can also buy starts to get leaves and flowers faster. Learn how to grow bunny tail grass and add a little whimsy to containers, borders, and annual gardens.
Is Bunny tail grass a perennial?
Bunny tail grass is an annual grass, not a perennial. It grows quickly in the summer but dies back in the winter, so you have to plant it again every year. Bunny Tail Grass typically takes 12-16 weeks to grow from the time it emerges from the soil.
How long does Bunny tail grass take to grow?
It grows quickly in the summer and will die off in the winter months, making it ncessary to replant each year. Bunny Tail Grass typically takes 12-16 weeks to grow from the time it emerges from the soil. It might take longer for flowers to show up if there is a lot of nitrogen in the soil. This is because the plant will focus on growing leaves instead.
Do bunny tails need to be cut back?
Once the grass has established itself, water it only when the soil is dry. Bunny tails do not need much maintenance, but they may need to be cut back once or twice a year to keep their shape and size in check. Bunny tails are low-maintenance, attractive plants that will add texture and movement to your garden.
How long do bunny tail grass flowers last?
Bunny tail grass flowers can last up to 12 months as part of a dried flower arrangement. Cut the stems near the base when loose pollen begins to form on top of the flowers. Gather a handful into a bunch at the base and tie a length of garden twine or cotton string around the base of these stems.
Can bunny tail grass grow in southern states?
Ornamental bunny tail grass can be grown in most USDA zones in the United States, but it does best in the southern states in zones 8 through 11. This is a warm-season grass but performs well in the summer in cooler zones. The plant sprouts readily from seed and baby grasses can be thinned to give the stronger plants room to grow.