Mexican Feather Grass

Plant in spring in full sun and sharply drained soil. Stipa tenuissima thrives in poor, dry conditions and actually performs worse in rich, fertile ground where it becomes floppy and short-lived. Add grit to heavy clay before planting. Space plants 30-40 cm apart in drifts for a naturalistic look. Water during the first summer to establish roots, then leave it alone. Avoid overwatering established plants, which causes root rot. This grass is typically short-lived, lasting three to five years, but self-seeds readily to replace itself. Remove unwanted seedlings in spring. In colder northern UK gardens, apply a mulch of gravel around the crown in autumn for winter protection. Feed is rarely needed.

Comb out dead foliage in spring using your fingers or a hand rake. Alternatively, cut back to 10 cm in late February. Do not cut back in autumn as the dry foliage protects the crown from winter wet.