Bishy Barnabees Cottage Garden Ltd
Bunny Tails - Lagurus Ovatus
Bunny Tails - Lagurus Ovatus
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Bunny Tails Seeds (Lagurus ovatus)
Perfectly named, 'Bunny Tails' produces an abundance of soft, velvety flower heads that look and feel exactly like the tail of a rabbit. Sitting atop slender, straw-like stems, they bob and dance in the slightest breeze, adding incredible movement and texture to the garden.
This is a fun, fast-growing annual grass that is brilliant for children's "sensory gardens" because it demands to be touched. It is also a florist's essential; the fluffy heads dry effortlessly, turning a warm sandy-beige colour that lasts for years in winter arrangements without shedding.
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🌿 Understanding the Plant
Lagurus ovatus is a Hardy Annual Grass.
It is native to the sandy shores of the Mediterranean, so it is tough and drought-tolerant. Unlike perennial grasses which take years to clump up, this grows from seed to full glory in just a few months.
The "Tactile" Texture: The softness comes from thousands of tiny silky hairs that cover the flower spike. It catches the morning dew beautifully, looking like it has been frosted.
🌱 Growing Guide: How to Sow and Grow
This is one of the easiest grasses to grow from seed.
Germination:
Sow indoors in spring (Feb-April) in modules, or directly outdoors in April-May. It can also be autumn-sown (Sept) for larger plants next year. Sow on the surface of compost and cover very lightly with vermiculite. Germination takes 14-21 days.
Where to Sow:
It needs full sun and light, well-drained soil. It thrives in sandy or gravel gardens and is absolutely perfect for terracotta pots.
Care While Growing:
Watering: Keep moist while seedlings establish, but once the "tails" appear, it is very drought tolerant. Don't overfeed it, or you'll get lots of green leaves and few tails.
📋 Plant Specifications
| Latin Name | Lagurus ovatus |
| Common Name | Bunny Tails / Hare's Tail Grass |
| Hardiness | H4 (Hardy Annual) |
| Light Required | Full Sun ☀️ |
| Height | ↕️ 30cm - 50cm |
| Spread | ↔️ 30cm |
| Spacing | 🌱 20cm apart |
| Great for | 🍂 Dried Flowers 👶 Kids Gardening 🏺 Containers 🏖️ Coastal Gardens |
| Seed Count | Approx. 500 seeds per packet |
🤝 Perfect Garden Companions
The soft texture of Bunny Tails creates a beautiful contrast with "papery" flowers:
- 🌸 Strawflowers (Helichrysum): The Texture Mix. The crisp, hard petals of strawflowers contrast perfectly with the soft, fluffy grass. Grow them together for a dedicated "Dried Flower" patch in the garden.
- 🌌 Scabious 'Black Knight': The Meadow Look. The dark, pincushion flowers of Scabious poking through the pale, fluffy grass creates a stunning, moody meadow effect in a border.
📅 Sowing & Flowering Calendar
Sow outdoors in autumn or spring. Flowers June to September.
| Month | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sow Outdoors | 🟢 | 🟢 | 🟢 | 🟢 | 🟢 | |||||||
| Flowering | 🌾 | 🌾 | 🌾 | 🌾 |
⚠️ Drying Tip
Cut the stems when the heads are fully formed and soft, but before they start to turn brown or shatter. Hang them upside down in small bunches in a dry, dark place. They will turn a beautiful creamy-beige.
🏆 Officially Recognised Excellence
This variety holds the prestigious RHS Award of Garden Merit, certifying it as a reliable, easy-to-grow plant that performs exceptionally well in British gardens.
