Pruning guide
How to prune penisetum massaicum red bunny tails
Best time
Early spring, as the risk of hard frost passes
How often
Annually
Technique
Cut back by a few inches using clean shears to remove dormant or tatty growth. Deadhead spent flower stalks in late autumn if they become unsightly before spring.
More penisetum massaicum red bunny tails care
Pruning penisetum massaicum red bunny tails — FAQ
When should I prune penisetum massaicum red bunny tails?
Early spring, as the risk of hard frost passes. Cut back by a few inches using clean shears to remove dormant or tatty growth. Deadhead spent flower stalks in late autumn if they become unsightly before spring.
How often does penisetum massaicum red bunny tails need pruning?
Annually. Red Bunny Tails fountain grass (Pennisetum massaicum) needs light, annual pruning to stay tidy. In early spring, cut the clump back by a few inches to remove tawny, tired growth and encourage fresh stems and the fluffy red-copper seed heads it is grown for. In colder zones (below USDA 7) treat it as an annual — no pruning needed.
How do you prune penisetum massaicum red bunny tails?
Cut back by a few inches using clean shears to remove dormant or tatty growth. Deadhead spent flower stalks in late autumn if they become unsightly before spring.