The Complete Guide to Caring for Mexican Feather Grass

Mexican feather grass also known by its scientific name Nassella tenuissima is a popular ornamental grass prized for its delicate, hair-like foliage. This perennial grass is native to parts of North America and South America but has become a garden staple far beyond its native range.

When cared for properly, Mexican feather grass adds beautiful texture and movement to landscapes. Its wispy, light-catching leaves sway gracefully in the breeze. But it does have specific needs when it comes to sun exposure, soil, water, and maintenance.

In this complete guide we’ll cover everything you need to know to successfully grow Mexican feather grass.

Overview of Mexican Feather Grass

Mexican feather grass forms neat, fountain-shaped clumps 1-3 feet tall and wide. The foliage is threadlike and light green in color, taking on blonde highlights in summer. Airy, delicate flower panicles rise above the leaves in summer, eventually drying to tan seed heads that persist into winter.

This ornamental grass thrives in hot, dry conditions. Once established, it is extremely drought tolerant and needs little supplemental irrigation. It flourishes in full sun and loose, sandy soils with excellent drainage.Mexican feather grass is hardy in USDA zones 7-10.

A major downside is that it’s considered invasive in some regions, spreading aggressively by self-seeding. It’s officially listed as an invasive species in California. Where happy, it can reseed prolifically.

How to Plant Mexican Feather Grass

Spring is the best time to plant Mexican feather grass. Here are some tips for getting it established:

• Select a site with full sun. This grass needs a minimum of 6 hours of direct sun per day. Morning sun is particularly important.

• Prepare the soil well. Incorporate generous amounts of compost to improve drainage. Mexican feather grass thrives in loose, sandy soils.

• Space plants 12-18 inches apart. Allow adequate room for each clump to develop. Plant in groups or rows for best effect.

• Dig a wide planting hole. Set the plant at the same depth it was growing in the nursery pot.

• Apply 2-3 inches of organic mulch. Mulching helps conserve moisture and control weeds.

• Water regularly the first year. Irrigate plants weekly until the roots establish, then water only as needed during dry spells.

Growing Conditions for Mexican Feather Grass

To keep your Mexican feather grass looking its best, provide the following ideal growing conditions:

• Sun: Full sun. This plant needs at least 6 hours of direct sun per day, with morning sunlight especially important.

• Soil: Loose, sandy soil with excellent drainage. Avoid heavy, dense soils.

• Water: Drought tolerant once established. Water weekly the first year, then only during extended dry periods.

• Temperature: Thrives in hot conditions. Can tolerate cold to about 0°F in winter.

• Fertilizer: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring. Low nutrient needs overall.

• pH range: Prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH from 6.0-7.0.

Meeting these simple requirements will keep your Mexican feather grass flourishing season after season.

Care and Maintenance

Caring for established Mexican feather grass requires only occasional maintenance:

• Watering: Water deeply only when rainfall is lacking. Established plants are very drought hardy.

• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring. No more than once annually.

• Pruning: Trim off dead foliage and spent seed heads in late winter. Also prune to control size.

• Dividing: Mature clumps can be divided every 2-3 years in early spring. This revitalizes growth.

• Weeding: Keep planting areas free of weeds, which compete for water and nutrients. Apply mulch to suppress weeds.

• Pest/disease control: Monitor for aphids, leaf spot, and rust. Remove affected foliage promptly. Healthy plants are generally robust.

With proper siting and minimal care, Mexican feather grass is sure to thrive and add beauty to Southwestern gardens.

Growing Mexican Feather Grass in Containers

The fine texture of Mexican feather grass makes it a lovely choice for container plantings. To grow it successfully in pots:

• Select a container at least 10-12 inches wide with drainage holes.

• Use a quality potting mix formulated for container gardening.

• Situate the pot in full sun. Rotate periodically for even growth.

• Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil become dry. Avoid overwatering.

• Fertilize every 4-6 weeks with a diluted liquid fertilizer during spring and summer.

• Repot in a larger container every 2-3 years as needed. Divide rootbound plants.

• Move pots to a protected area in winter if hard freezes are expected.

Surround Mexican feather grass with shorter companion plants like sedums, thyme, lavender and verbena. The fine texture of the grass makes the perfect thriller plant.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

While generally simple to grow, a few issues can sometimes plague Mexican feather grass:

• Invasive self-seeding – This grass readily reseeds in ideal conditions. Remove spent seed heads before they mature or discard unwanted seedlings.

• Foliage browning – This can indicate insufficient watering. Increase watering frequency during dry periods.

• Lodging or collapse – Overwatering or high nitrogen from fertilizer can cause the foliage to flop over. Allow soil to dry out between waterings and reduce fertilizer.

• Few flowers – Ensure plants receive ample sunlight to encourage flowering. Supplement with grow lights if needed.

• Pests – Aphids, mites and caterpillars may sometimes attack. Control with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

With proper care and growing conditions suited to your climate, Mexican feather grass is sure to thrive and enhance Southwestern gardens with its graceful elegance. Just be vigilant in controlling its potential to self-seed and become invasive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about Mexican feather grass care:

How big does Mexican feather grass get?

• Mexican feather grass grows 1-3 feet tall and wide when mature. It forms a neat, compact clump shape.

What’s the best way to control self-seeding?

• Removing spent seed heads before they mature prevents unwanted reseeding. Also discard unwanted seedlings when they first appear.

When should I cut back Mexican feather grass?

• Late winter is the best time to trim dead foliage, just before new spring growth begins. You can also prune anytime to control size.

How much water does Mexican feather grass need?

• Newly planted grasses need weekly watering the first year. Once established, water deeply only when rainfall is lacking. Mature plants are very drought hardy.

Is Mexican feather grass deer resistant?

• Yes, deer and rabbits tend to leave this grass alone. Its dry nature and slender foliage are unappealing to them.

With its wispy, swaying foliage, Mexican feather grass adds graceful elegance to hot, dry Southwestern gardens. Provide this ornamental grass with full sun, excellent drainage, minimal watering, and occasional maintenance, and it will flourish gracefully for years to come. Just be vigilant about controlling its potential to self-seed.