Stipa tenuissima – Soft, Flowing Grass for Movement and Texture

Stipa tenuissima, also known as Mexican Feather Grass, is a compact, ornamental grass admired for its fine, hair-like green foliage that forms graceful, upright tufts. In summer (June to August), it produces masses of feathery, pale golden flower heads that shimmer and sway in the breeze, adding gentle movement and a natural feel to borders, gravel gardens, and containers.

Reaching up to 60cm in height and spread, this drought-tolerant, low-maintenance grass is perfect for modern planting schemes, prairie-style borders, or softening hard landscaping.

Best positioned in full sun and free-draining soil, Stipa tenuissima performs well in coastal gardens, dry beds, or raised planters. It dislikes waterlogged soil, especially in winter.

Care tips: Water regularly during the first growing season to help it establish. Once mature, it is drought tolerant and needs little attention.

Feed lightly in spring with a general-purpose fertiliser if desired, though it’s not essential for good performance.

Prune by gently combing through the clump with your fingers or a rake in late winter or early spring to remove dead growth and encourage fresh shoots.

Stipa tenuissima brings softness, elegance, and year-round appeal to UK gardens with minimal effort.