Little Honey - Dwarf Fountain Grass

Little Honey is a compact, clump-forming fountain grass with green leaves edged in fine white stripes and small tan to creamy-white plumes in late summer. Its fine texture and low profile suit a rock garden, border edge, or container where the variegated foliage can be seen up close. [Wisconsin Horticulture](https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/fountain-grass-pennisetum-alopecuroides/) describes it as a variegated sport of ‘Little Bunny’; the [RHS profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/154514/pennisetum-alopecuroides-little-honey-v/details) lists it at about 35–45 cm tall. ## Garden Use The narrow, striped leaves form a dense tuft, while the miniature bottlebrush plumes rise above the foliage in summer and autumn. Use it in small-scale plantings rather than where a taller grass is needed; its modest size can be lost among larger perennials. ## Growing Conditions Grow in full sun for the best flowering, or light part shade. A well-drained loam or sandy soil is suitable. Water during prolonged dry spells while the clump establishes; Wisconsin Extension notes that fountain grass tolerates drought once established. Avoid planting the crown below soil level in wet settings. ## Seasonal Care This warm-season grass begins growth after the weather warms. Leave its foliage through winter for texture, then cut back the previous year's growth in late winter or early spring before new shoots emerge. Divide an older clump if its center opens and growth becomes ring-shaped. ## Maintenance Cut back old foliage before spring growth and keep the crown above the soil surface.