Poaceae
Mexican feather grass: Ground Cover Plant
Stipa tenuissima
Extremely easy to maintain, Stipa tenuissima requires a full sun location and very well-drained soil, preferably sandy or stony. Once established, the plant becomes remarkably drought-tolerant and requires almost no watering. Comb through or cut back dry foliage in early spring rather than fall to preserve its vigor.
Every 21 days
Direct sun
-15° - 40°C
30% - 60%
Categories
What is Mexican feather grass?
Mexican feather grass (Stipa tenuissima) is a easy-care plant from the Poaceae family. Stipa tenuissima, commonly known as Mexican feather grass, is a perennial ornamental grass forming dense, rounded tufts of fine, bright green thread-like leaves. In summer, it produces long, feathery panicles that transition from silvery-green to cream and then to golden blond, swaying with the slig...
Mexican feather grass grows up to 60cm, spread of 50cm, watering every 21 days, -15°C – 40°C, 30–60% humidity. It is not suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Mexican feather grass tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Unlike many popular species, Mexican feather grass is safe to keep around pets.
How to Care for Mexican feather grass?
TLDR: Mexican feather grass needs Direct sun, watering every 21 days, and temperatures between -15-40°C with 30-60% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Mexican feather grass?
Water regularly during the first year to encourage root establishment. Once established, reduce to a minimum: occasional watering is sufficient during prolonged droughts. Excess water or poorly drained soil promotes root rot.
How Much Light Does Mexican feather grass Need?
Plant in full sun, with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, to maintain its compact fountain-like habit and encourage abundant flowering. In partial shade, the foliage becomes floppier and flowers less.
What Is the Best Soil for Mexican feather grass?
Prefer poor to moderately fertile and, above all, well-drained soil: sand, gravel, chalk, clay, or loam are suitable as long as water does not stagnate. Avoid nitrogen-rich soils, which promote messy foliage prone to lodging.
What Pot Should You Use for Mexican feather grass?
An unglazed terracotta pot with large drainage holes is ideal: its porosity prevents stagnant moisture around the roots, which is essential for the health of this grass.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 180 days
Repot
Every 730 days
What Is Mexican feather grass and Where Does It Come From?
Stipa tenuissima, commonly known as Mexican feather grass, is a perennial ornamental grass forming dense, rounded tufts of fine, bright green thread-like leaves. In summer, it produces long, feathery panicles that transition from silvery-green to cream and then to golden blond, swaying with the slightest breeze. Hardy in USDA zones 7 to 10, this grass reaches 12 to 24 inches in height and width, and is particularly valued for xeriscaping, rock gardens, and naturalist-style borders.
How to Propagate Mexican feather grass?
Division
Stipa does not tolerate division well if it is done too late in the season; act before the high summer heat.
- 1 Dig up the entire clump in mid-spring or early summer
- 2 Gently separate the sections by hand or with a spade, ensuring roots remain on each part
- 3 Replant each section immediately in well-drained soil
- 4 Water generously after planting to help with recovery
Materials needed:
Sowing
The species self-seeds spontaneously in many climates; remove faded flower heads if you wish to limit its spread.
- 1 Sow seeds on the surface of a draining potting mix in spring or fall
- 2 Keep the substrate slightly moist until germination
- 3 Thin out young plants once they are a few centimeters tall
- 4 Transplant to their final location when the plants are well-developed
Materials needed:
How Big Does Mexican feather grass Grow?
TLDR: Mexican feather grass can reach up to 60cm tall with Fast growth rate.
Max height
60cm
Spread
50cm
Growth rate
Fast
Foliage
Semi-evergreen
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Ground Cover
Soil coverage
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Mexican feather grass?
TLDR: Mexican feather grass is susceptible to 5 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a common fungal disease caused by various pathogens including Alternaria, Ascochyta, Colletotrichum, Septoria, and Venturia. It primarily affects leaves, causing discolored spots that can lead to premature leaf drop if left untreated.
Grey Mould
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease caused by various fungi species including Erysiphe, Podosphaera, Oïdium, and Leveillula. It affects over 10,000 plant species worldwide. The disease thrives in warm, dry climates with high humidity and appears as a distinctive white powdery coating on plant surfaces.
Meaning & Symbolism
Thanks to its light foliage that waves in the wind, Stipa tenuissima symbolizes lightness, freedom, and resilience against the elements.
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | ✓ |
| Muriel's Bamboo | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ✓ |
| Silver Birch | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Common Blanketflower | Easy | Direct sun | 10d | ✓ |
