Mexican Feather Grass – Planting and Caring Tips
If you are looking to add a delicate beauty to your garden, then graceful Mexican feather grass is a perfect choice for you. The slightest winds send the thin leaves and delicate flowers of this perennial grass into motion which makes it look more beautiful. Here is an article with all you need to know about Mexican feather grass.
Mexican Feather Grass
Mexican feather grass is also known as ponytails. It is superb grass popular for its shimmering golden panicles. It has its pros and cons. On the positive side, it is a delicate beauty with elegant stems and feather flowers. However, its benefits are aesthetic as well as practical. This grass is drought-resistant once it matures completely.
On the negative side, this grass is intrusive in particular regions. In California, it is not recommended for planting.
Botanical Name – Nassella Tenuissima
Common Name – Mexican feather grass, Mexican needle grass, ponytails
Plant Type – Perennial Ornamental grass
Genus – Nassella
Mature Size – 24 inches
Native Area – Central America, South America, some parts of American Southwest
Soil Type – Loamy
Bloom Time – Mid-summer
Hardiness Zone – 7-10
Special Features – Drought-tolerant, good for containers, low-maintenance
How to Grow Mexican Feather Grass
Mexican feather grass is an ornamental grass that spreads easily by seed in some climates. In case, the climate in your area is not suitable for the spread of Mexican feather grass; then you can grow it by dividing the rootball of the grass on a mature plant in the mid-spring. It is suitable for growing in the USA hardiness zone 7.
One best thing about Mexican feather grass is that it is not bothered by insect pests or disease. However, leaf spot or aphids can occasionally plague it. This ornamental grass adds a long-lasting texture and graceful movement to a garden from early spring until the frost. It is an easy-to-care-for plant that fits perfectly into any grass bed. It also grows right in a pot and all the thanks to its ornamental appeal.
Mexican grass grows in fall or spring in well-drained soil. Make sure to opt for a sunny location to grow this grass. Moreover, try to set it in front of the best in order to make beautiful panicles.
In the regions where Mexican feather grass is considered invasive in many regions (Source). Growing it requires a lot of maintenance. You will have to remove the seedlings from the places in your garden where you do want it to grow or spread. Below mentioned are tips on how to grow Mexican feather grass height.
Pro Tip – Do not apply a thick layer of muscle around the base of this grass. It might lead the grass to rot.
Soil
Loamy soil is a perfect choice to grow ponytail grass as it requires appropriate drainage. In case the soil in your garden is not loose enough, then loosen it up by adding some organic matter and sand into it.
Light
It is a good idea to grow Mexican feather grass in full sunlight. Though it can survive in partial sunlight, it performs best in good sunlight.
Water
Mexican grass has average water needs. Once the feather grass matures, it is drought-resistant. Feather grass adequately droughts by going into dormancy.
Fertilizer
It is enough to fertilize Mexican grass plants annually with compost.
Pruning
Pruning is not required, but you can cut the stems at the end of winter. Cutting the back part of dried leaves with help in triggering the growth of bright and new green shots.
Use sharp and long shears to cut the dried part. Be careful while cutting the dried portions of the feather grass. Do not snip the young green stems of the feather grass. Pruning will help to keep the grass in good shape and will also keep the colour consistent.
Uses of Mexican Feather Grass
Mexican feather grass is fountain-shaped, and its stems have a fuzzy appearance. They can soften the hardscape features of a landscape and make it more welcoming. Due to this reason, it is highly effective to grow various plants to form a border along with a garden or patio. It is also an amazing plant to make borders for cottage gardens.
Although Mexican grass does flowers, it is popularly used for complimenting the flowering plants. You can grow feather grass in a container by mixing it with other short plants to create an attractive look.
You can grow the feather grass with front door plants to make an attractive entrance. Many homeowners with slopes opt to grow Mexican feather grass as it helps in controlling erosion.
Pro Tip – Make sure not to overwater the Mexican feather grass while growing it in a container.
Mexican Feather Grass Care
Mexican grass is easy to grow a plant. It is best to grow this ornamental grass in well-drained soil and full sun. You need to water the plant weekly during the first season of growing it. Once it matures, you will need to water this grass only during the extreme dry periods. Rake or cut out the dead foliage in early springs before the grass begins growing.
In early spring, divide the Mexican grass in early spring right when they begin to grow new green shoots. Dig up the complete clump, then use a sharp object to cut the clump in four sections. After this, replant each section and then water it properly after planting.
Final Words
Mexican feather grass is a type of bunch grass that displays fountains of fine-textured, silvery-green grass throughout summer and spring. They provide a beautiful touch to your backyard and garden. They are invasive in certain regions, so make sure to check with your local extension before planting it. If you find the information about feather grass helpful, drop a comment.
