Feather grass

Feather grass is completely harmless, non-toxic, and non-aromatic. Your cats or dogs cannot be poisoned by it.

However, there is one minor physical risk: the maturing awns (seeds) are sharp and have backward-facing barbs. During August and September, they could potentially embed themselves into the skin or paws of long-haired dogs, similar to other wild grasses. We therefore recommend occasionally checking your pets' fur after they have been running through the flowerbed.

Yes, feather grass offers a stunning winter effect. Although the foliage dies back in autumn and turns a straw color, the clumps retain their firm shape. When morning frost or light snow settles on the dried blades, it creates a magical winter atmosphere in the garden. Additionally, tying the clumps together makes them look very decorative.

Definitely! Feather grass (Stipa) is incredibly low-maintenance and will forgive you even if you forget to water it. It doesn't need regular fertilizing, doesn't suffer from diseases, and requires no complicated care. If you provide it with sun and well-draining soil, it will grow practically on its own.

Absolutely! The inflorescences of feather grass are very popular in floristry. They are perfect as:

• An addition to cut flower bouquets, adding airiness and elegance.
• Material for drying, ideal for long-lasting winter decorations.

To dry the stalks, harvest them ideally just after they bloom and hang them upside down in a shaded, well-ventilated area.

Feather grass loves full sun. It is ideal for dry, warm locations. It is perfect for:

• Rock gardens and steppe-style garden areas
• Sunny perennial beds
• Dry stone walls and gravel areas

It looks best when planted in loose groups of several pieces, where it beautifully complements other drought-tolerant perennials and bulbs.

Yes, you can successfully grow feather grass in containers on a sunny terrace or balcony.

However, it is necessary to use a large pot with drainage holes and place a thick layer of expanded clay (leca) at the bottom. Mix the substrate with sand. During winter, we recommend wrapping the pot in insulating material or placing it against the wall of the house to prevent the roots from freezing.

We have great news! Feather grass is completely hardy and does not suffer from any common pests or diseases in our climate.

You don't need to worry about aphids, caterpillars, or mold. The only risk is physiological damage from excess water (root rot), which you can prevent by choosing a drier location.

Yes, in suitable locations, Mexican feather grass self-seeds very readily. The wind disperses the seeds to the surrounding area, and you may find new tiny seedlings in the spring.

If you want to propagate it intentionally or rejuvenate an older plant, you can carefully dig up the clump in early spring (before it begins to sprout), divide it with a spade into smaller pieces, and replant immediately.

Rotting of the center of the clump is almost always caused by excessive moisture and poor drainage. This happens especially in heavy, clay soils during autumn rains and snowmelt. Solution: Dig up the plant, remove the rotten parts, and replant it in a spot with better drainage. Mix gravel or coarse sand into the soil to ensure water can drain away quickly.

You might be surprised to learn that feather grass (Stipa pennata) is actually a native plant. It is a typical representative of steppe flora, naturally occurring in the driest and warmest regions of Europe.

In the Czech Republic, it grows in the wild in only a few locations (for example, on the rocky steppes of Southern Moravia) and is legally protected as an endangered species.