Ornamental grassesStipa tenuissima
Mexican Feather Grass
Mexican Feather Grass is a fine-leaved ornamental grass that sways at the slightest breeze, giving the garden a dreamy, prairie-like atmosphere. The silky, pale golden plumes appear from June to September and move like waves in the wind. The plant self-seeds readily and naturalises quickly.
Characteristics
- Sun
- Full sun
- Water
- Low
- Height
- 40–60 cm
- Spread
- 30–45 cm
- Hardiness zone
- 6–10
- Family
- Poaceae
- Evergreen
- No
- Flower colors
- beige
- Wildlife value
- birds
Bloom period
Care guide
Plant in full sun in light, well-drained soil. The plant is very drought-tolerant and needs barely any water. Overly rich soil makes the plant floppy. Avoid winter waterlogging — this is the greatest threat to longevity.
Pruning tips
Cut back old plumes and foliage in early spring to about 10 cm above the ground. Remove unwanted seedlings to prevent spreading. The grass regrows quickly from the rootstock.
Good companions
ShrubsLavandula angustifolia
English Lavender
Lavender is a beloved herb with aromatic silver-green foliage and purple-blue flower spikes. This evergreen plant blooms profusely from June to August and is remarkably drought-tolerant, attracting butterflies and bees to the garden.
Ornamental grassesPennisetum alopecuroides
Fountain Grass
Fountain grass is an elegant ornamental grass that produces soft, bottlebrush-like plumes from August to October. The grass forms a dense, mound-shaped tussock and looks its best when backlit, with sunlight filtering through the feathery plumes. The flower heads and foliage turn warm golden-brown in autumn.
Ornamental grassesMiscanthus sinensis
Chinese Silver Grass
Chinese Silver Grass is a striking ornamental grass that adds structure to any garden with its tall plumes and gracefully arching leaves. Silvery-white plumes appear from August to October and catch the autumn and winter light beautifully. The dried grass remains attractive throughout winter.