Red Bunny Tails Fountain Grass
Pennisetum messiacum 'Red Bunny Tails'
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Red Bunny Tails Fountain Grass - Quart Container is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
Plant Sentry™
Plant Sentry™
Plant Sentry is designed to protect both consumers and the nursery trade from invasive plant pests and diseases. Sites that display the Plant Sentry protection badge are protected from consumers buying and nurseries shipping material carrying invasive pests and diseases.
This proprietary eCommerce software prevents the shipment of a restricted plant to each state. The Plant Sentry system includes a shipment certification program. The Plant Sentry Compliance Officer works closely with NatureHills.com and each nursery or fulfillment center to ensure only compliant plants are sold to customers.
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Delivery and Shipping
Delivery and Shipping
Shipping
To obtain a more accurate shipment time-frame, simply enter your zip code in the “Find Your Growing Zone” box to the right. Our plants are grown all over the country and lead time on items may be different because of this. Once your order is placed, you will also receive the specific shipment time-frame information as part of your order confirmation. Once an item ships, you will receive shipment notification and tracking numbers, so you can follow along while your plant travels to your doorstep. We use FedEx, UPS, or USPS at our discretion.
Due to winter weather we have put a hold on shipping to the areas shown below in grey. You can still order now and we will ship the plant to you during an appropriate time for your zone.
Standard Shipping Rates
At Nature Hills we handle, package and ship the products you order with the utmost care to ensure healthy delivery. Shipping and handling charges are calculated based on the tables below. Please note that some items include an additional handling surcharge, these will be noted on the item's product page.
From | To | S&H |
---|---|---|
$0 | $19.99 | $24.99 |
$20 | $49.99 | $29.99 |
$50 | $69.99 | $34.99 |
$70 | $99.99 | $39.99 |
$100 | $129.99 | $44.99 |
$130 | $149.99 | $48.99 |
$150 | $150+ | Approx 28% |
Click here to see our full rates
Understanding Plant Options
Nature Hills offers plants in two main formats:
- Container Plants: Grown in pots with soil, sized by container volume and plant age
- Bare Root Plants: Dormant plants without soil, sized by height measurements
Container Plant Sizes
Container sizes indicate plant age and growing capacity rather than liquid volume equivalents. Our containers follow industry-standard nursery "trade gallon" specifications, which differ from standard liquid gallon measurements.
Young Plants (6 months to 18 months old)
Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
---|---|---|
2" x 2" x 3" | 0.18 - 0.21 dry quarts | 0.20 - 0.23 dry liters |
4" Container | 0.31 - 0.87 dry quarts | 0.35 - 0.96 dry liters |
4.5" Container | 0.65 dry quarts | 0.72 dry liters |
6" Container | 1.4 dry quarts | 1.59 dry liters |
1 Quart | 1 dry quart | 1.1 dry liters |
5.5" Container | 1.89 dry quarts | 2.08 dry liters |
Established Plants (18 months to 2.5 years old)
Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
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2 Quart | 2 dry quarts | 2.2 dry liters |
#1 Container | 2.26 - 3.73 dry quarts | 2.49 - 4.11 dry liters |
5" x 5" x 12" | 3.5 - 4.3 dry quarts | 3.85 - 4.74 dry liters |
Mature Plants (2-4 years old)
Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
---|---|---|
#2 Container | 1.19 - 1.76 dry gallons | 5.24 - 7.75 dry liters |
#3 Container | 2.15 - 2.76 dry gallons | 8.14 - 12.16 dry liters |
Large Plants (3-5 years old)
Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
---|---|---|
#5 Container | 2.92 - 4.62 dry gallons | 12.86 - 20.35 dry liters |
#6 Container | 5.25 - 6.01 dry gallons | 23.12 - 26.42 dry liters |
#7 Container | 5.98 - 6.53 dry gallons | 26.34 - 28.76 dry liters |
Bare Root Plants
Bare root plants are sold by height from the root system to the top of the plant. Plants may exceed minimum height requirements.
Common Sizes:
- Trees: 1 foot, 2 feet, 3 feet, 4 feet, 5 feet, 6 feet
- Shrubs & Perennials: 1 foot, 18 inches, 2 feet
Important Notes
Container Volume Specifications
- Trade Gallon Standard: Our containers follow industry-standard "trade gallon" specifications established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI Z60.1) for nursery stock
- Volume Variations: Actual soil volume may vary due to plant root systems and growing medium settlement
- Age Indicators: Container size primarily indicates plant age and maturity rather than liquid volume equivalents
Growing Conditions
- Plant size can vary based on variety and growing conditions
- Container size helps indicate plant maturity and establishment level
- Larger containers generally mean more established root systems and faster landscape establishment
Seasonal Availability
- Bare root plants are available seasonally when dormant
- Container plants are available throughout the growing season
- Specific varieties may have limited availability in certain sizes
Questions?
For questions about specific plant sizes or availability, please contact our plant experts who can help you choose the right size for your landscape needs.
Plant Highlights
Red Bunny Tails Fountain Grass highlights at a glance!
Specifications
Specifications
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Brand
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Botanical Name
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Growing Zones
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Mature Height
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Mature Spread
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Sun ExposureFull Sun
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Moisture
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Soil
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Growth RateMedium
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Fall Color
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Pollinator Required
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Pruning Time
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Bloom PeriodSummer

Growing Zones 7-11
Red Bunny Tails is just as much fun to grow as the name implies! The Pennisetum Red Bunny Tails Fountain Grass (Pennisetum messiacum 'Red Bunny Tails') has delightfully fluffy blooms that begin as dramatic burgundy-red bottle brushes, transitioning to fluffy puffs of white atop the clumps of slender green grass. Although named "Bunny Tails", the blooms are more reminiscent of a rabbit's foot, with a longer, showier display than many other Pennisetum.
The blooms start their show in mid-summer and continue right into fall. Floating atop the vibrant glossy green blades that grow in a clumping fountain manner, rising up tall and straight with a gentle arch that provides dramatic appeal as it gracefully sways on the afternoon breeze.
Red Bunny Tails has an upright, arching nature that may be slow to get going in the spring, but really takes off once the late spring and summer sun and heat kick in. Hardy throughout USDA planting zones 7 to 11, this warm-season grass grows just 18-36 inches tall when in flower and spreads 24-30 inches wide.
Planting and Application:
Plant a few Red Bunny Tails for an impressive border and garden backdrop that complements other blooms both formal and informal! Or use one as a curious specimen throughout garden beds in the sun or even place one in a large container as a thriller plant! Cut a few of the blooms for a natural display on your kitchen table bouquets or dry some of the blooms for later use in crafts. What you leave on the plant serves as fantastic winter interest.
Ornamental grasses are as functional as they are lovely and Red Bunny Tails serves as an annual or perennial depending upon your growing zones, increasing their versatility as a seasonal and annual accent or perennial garden focal point if you are in warmer growing zones. Add interest to Rock gardens, pathways and borders, or as a backdrop to highlight the mailbox, anchor a berm garden, or add unique interest to a low-maintenance street planting!
- Upright Fountains of Glossy Green Blades
- Burgundy Red Plumes Turn White in Fall
- Fresh & Dried Floral Arrangements & Winter Interest
- Very Easy & Fun to Grow!
- Fantastic Specimens, Accents, Backdrops, Container Thrillers & Xeric Gardens
#ProPlantTips for Care:
Pennisetum grasses are resistant to most insects and tolerate drought well. Plant in a full sun location that has well-drained soil of any kind. Water enough to establish, then this little perennial grass is good to go except for extreme heat and drought; then it will appreciate a drink to keep it looking its best! Prune warm-season ornamental grasses in the early spring and have patience as they are a bit slower to emerge in the cooler spring weather.
- Full Sun Ornamental Grass
- Moderate to Low Moisture Needs
- Adaptive to a Variety of Soils
- Heat & Drought Tolerant & Low Maintenance
- Prune Back Early Spring
Get the endearing little Piglet Fountain Grass from NatureHills.com! Gardens big and small all enjoy these darling little Ornamental grasses and their easy-going charm! Buy yours today!