Feather grass Pony Tails

The most common cause of feather grass dying over the winter is rot due to excessive moisture, not freezing. If the feather grass has been standing in heavy, wet soil for a long time, its roots have likely rotted. Another reason may be that you pruned it in the autumn. Also, keep in mind that feather grass sprouts relatively late in the spring, so it is sometimes necessary to be a little patient and wait for truly warmer days.

Feather grass 'Pony Tails' is classified as a short-lived perennial. This means that one specific plant will usually delight you in the garden for about 3 to 5 years. But don't worry about losing it permanently. In suitable sunny and dry locations, it very readily self-seeds. In the spring, you will usually find new young seedlings around the original parent plant that will renew the bed on their own.

Feather grass is not toxic to humans, dogs, or cats, so it is completely safe in terms of poisoning. However, we recommend some mechanical caution for owners of dogs with long hair or floppy ears. In late summer, the tiny, sharp seeds of dry grasses can get caught in an animal's fur, become embedded between their paw pads, or enter their ears, which can be uncomfortable for dogs.

Yes, the feather grass is fully hardy in our climate, down to -17.8 °C (zone 7a). Furthermore, it provides a beautiful winter effect, as its frosted stems decorate the garden even under a thin layer of snow. However, winter moisture is a greater risk for it than frost. In harsh and very wet winters, especially in heavy soils, its shallow root system may rot. Good soil drainage is therefore absolutely crucial for its successful overwintering.

Feather grass loves full sun and rather dry locations. Very well-drained soil is essential – ideally sandy, stony, or gravelly. If you have heavy clay soil in your garden, we recommend adding plenty of sand and fine gravel during planting to ensure drainage. Since it does not like winter waterlogging, it thrives in raised beds, on slopes, in dry-stone walls, or in rock gardens.

The ideal spacing for planting is roughly 30 cm apart, which corresponds to approximately 11 plants per square meter. Feather grass looks best and most natural in a flowerbed when planted in loose groups of several pieces.

It complements other drought-tolerant perennials perfectly. It creates a beautiful contrast with purple-flowering Lavender, Perovskia, Coneflower (Echinacea), Stonecrop (Sedum), or spring-flowering bulbs such as ornamental garlic and tulips.

Mexican feather grass produces its light, airy inflorescences from July to August. This grass is excellent as a cut flower and can be used to add a delicate touch to fresh summer bouquets. It is also perfect for drying. If you want to dry the fine stalks, cut them at the very beginning of full bloom, tie them into small bunches, and hang them upside down in a dry, well-ventilated, and dark place. They will then look beautiful indoors for many months or even years.

Definitely! Feather grass is absolutely ideal for growing in larger containers, and its delicate appearance makes it look very elegant on terraces.

When planting in a pot, remember to include:

• A sufficiently large container with drainage holes
• A thick layer of drainage at the bottom (e.g., expanded clay or coarse gravel)
• Permeable substrate mixed with sand

In winter, wrap the container with horticultural fleece or bubble wrap to protect the roots from freezing, and ideally place it under a roof so the plant does not get wet unnecessarily.

This is a very low-maintenance steppe plant, so it requires minimal watering. Water more generously only immediately after planting until the seedlings have rooted well. Once the grass is established, it can easily handle long periods of summer drought. Regular fertilization is not necessary, and in soil that is too rich, the plant may begin to lodge and lose its compact shape. It thrives in truly poor conditions.

Mexican feather grass (Stipa tenuissima) is an ornamental grass that will enchant you at first glance with its incredible lightness. Its airy, dense tufts of fine, hair-like leaves resemble a horse's mane, which is where its name 'Pony Tails' comes from. It grows to a height of 30 to 80 cm and creates a wonderful, dynamic element – every blade ripples even in the slightest breeze. Throughout the season, the color of the leaves and flowers changes from fresh green to straw, silver, and beige.

Definitely yes! Feather grass is ranked among plants very suitable for beginners. Once you choose the right spot for it—meaning well-draining soil and plenty of sun—it will essentially grow on its own in the garden. You do not need to worry about any complicated spring pruning, you do not need to water it regularly, it does not require fertilization, and it even avoids pests. It is thus one of the most rewarding ornamental grasses of all.

We have great news! Mexican feather grass is an exceptionally resilient plant that does not suffer from any common diseases or pests. You won't need to use any chemical sprays at all. The only "enemy" of this ornamental grass is long-term waterlogged soil and heavy clay soils, which cause the shallow roots to rot.

The easiest and most natural way is to let nature handle the propagation. If the plant has well-draining soil, it will readily self-seed into its surroundings. You can then carefully transplant the young seedlings that appear in the spring to your desired location.

Another option is dividing older clumps. We do this exclusively in early spring, just before the plant begins to sprout. Carefully dig up the clump, manually divide it into several smaller healthy sections, and plant them back into the ground immediately. Keep in mind, however, that it tolerates division less well than other robust grasses, so work very carefully with the roots.

From a botanical perspective, this delicate grass comes from very harsh and dry regions of the American continent. It grows naturally on sun-scorched, dry rocky and sandy steppes in Mexico, American Texas, and South American Patagonia. Thanks to this exotic origin, it is well-equipped to handle drought and scorching sun even in our Central European gardens.