Stipa tenuifolia, also known as Mexican Feather Grass, Pony Tails or Angel's Hair, is an exceptionally graceful ornamental grass, prized for its fine, thread-like foliage and soft, feathery flower plumes. Forming elegant, fountain-shaped clumps of fresh green foliage, it produces delicate, silvery-green flowerheads in summer that gradually mature to warm golden tones. Even the slightest breeze sets the entire plant in motion, creating beautiful movement and texture throughout the garden.
 
Growing to approximately 45–60cm, this easy-to-grow perennial grass is perfect for naturalistic planting, gravel gardens, contemporary borders and prairie-style schemes. Its airy, flowing habit looks particularly beautiful when planted in drifts amongst flowering perennials, where the fine foliage softens stronger shapes and adds a relaxed, meadow-like appearance. Drought tolerant once established, Stipa tenuifolia thrives in sunny positions with free-draining soil and provides interest well into autumn and winter.
 
When to Sow: Feb– Jun & Sep
 
HOW TO SOW: Sow seeds thinly onto the surface of moist, well-drained seed compost and cover lightly with fine compost or vermiculite, approximately 2–3mm deep. Maintain a temperature of around 15–20°C and keep the compost lightly moist without waterlogging. Germination usually takes 2–4 weeks but may be irregular. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant into individual pots or modules and grow on in a bright position. Harden off gradually before planting outdoors after the risk of significant frost has passed. Space plants approximately 30–45cm apart in a sunny, free-draining position
 
Classification: Hardy Perennial
Expert Level: Easy to Grow
Germination Time: 3-4 Wks
Flowering Time: Jun–Sep
Site: Full sun
Soil Type: Light, sandy, gritty or loamy soil with excellent drainage
Soil Acidity: Acid to alkaline
Moisture: Low to moderate; drought tolerant once established; dislikes prolonged winter wet
 
Care: Water regularly until established, then sparingly. Avoid rich feeding, which can encourage soft growth. In early spring, gently comb through the foliage with gloved hands to remove dead leaves rather than cutting the entire clump back. Remove unwanted seedlings to prevent excessive self-seeding. In colder or wetter gardens, plants may be shorter-lived
Use: Gravel gardens, prairie-style planting, naturalistic borders, contemporary gardens, containers, mass planting and dried arrangements
 
Harvesting: Cut flowering stems in summer when the feathery seedheads are fully developed. Hang in small bunches somewhere dry and well ventilated for dried arrangements
Days to Maturity: 4–6 months
Vase Life: Everlasting
Height: 45–60cm
Plant Spacing: 30–45cm