Bunny Tails Seeds (Lagurus ovatus)

Lagurus ovatus, universally known as Bunny Tails (or Hare's Tail Grass), is one of the most charming and tactile plants in the garden. It produces oval, fluffy flower heads that sit atop slender stems and feel exactly like soft velvet or, well, a bunny's tail!

The heads start off a pale, silvery-green with a hint of champagne, and as the summer progresses, they ripen to a warm, rich biscuit colour. It brings a playful, soft texture to the front of a border and is absolutely adored by children and florists alike.

Why Your Garden Needs Bunny Tails

We love this grass because it softens everything around it. If your border feels a bit "stiff" or heavy with foliage, adding a drift of Bunny Tails instantly makes it feel relaxed and meadow-like. It is also perfectly sized for containers, making it great for patio gardening.

It is also a world-class dried flower. The fluffy tails hold their shape perfectly when dried. If you cut them in late summer and hang them upside down, they will last for years in winter bouquets and wreaths, bringing a touch of summer warmth into your home.

Understanding the Plant: What is a Hardy Annual?

Bunny Tails is a Hardy Annual.

This means it completes its life cycle in one year (sow, grow, fluff, die). Because it is "Hardy," it can withstand cold weather. You can sow it in spring for summer flowers, or—for bigger, stronger plants—sow it in autumn. The seedlings will sit quietly through winter and burst into growth as soon as spring arrives.

Growing Guide: How to Sow and Grow

This is one of the easiest grasses to grow from seed.

🌱 Germination:
Sow indoors in spring or autumn. The seeds benefit from a little warmth (15-18°C) to get going. Sow them on the surface of moist compost and cover them with a very light sprinkling of vermiculite or soil—they don't like to be buried deep. They usually appear within 14 days.

Where to Sow:
You can sow directly outdoors in April/May where they are to flower, or start them in modules indoors. They have fibrous roots and transplant reasonably well, unlike some other grasses.

Care While Growing:
Bunny Tails originates from sandy, coastal areas (the Mediterranean), so it hates having wet feet. Plant it in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. It is incredibly drought tolerant once established. It looks best planted in groups of 3 or 5 to create a "clump" effect.

Plant Specifications

Here is a quick reference guide to the key features, helping you decide if this fluffy grass is the right fit for your garden.

My Recommended Garden Companions

Grasses are the glue that holds a planting scheme together. I recommend pairing the soft, fluffy Bunny Tails with plants that offer a different texture or shape. Here are my top pairings from the shop:

• 🌾 Briza maxima (Quaking Grass): Pairing these two grasses together is magical. You get the trembling movement of the Briza lockets alongside the soft, static fluff of the Bunny Tails. It creates a stunning textural display.
• 🌸 Cosmos 'Purity': The large, open white faces of 'Purity' look fresh and bright against the sandy-gold of the ripening grass. Both love a sunny spot and flower until autumn.

📅 Sowing & Flowering Calendar

Sow in spring for summer flowers, or in autumn for stronger plants next year.

(↔️ Swipe chart to see all months)