Mexican Feather Grass: A Guide to Cultivation and Maintenance

Mexican feather grass offers both advantages and disadvantages. One of its notable benefits is its elegant appearance; the stems reach heights of 18 inches to approximately 2 feet. This beauty is further accentuated as they gently sway in the breeze, showcasing their feathery flower clusters.

This ornamental grass offers both practical advantages and visual appeal. Once established, it is drought-resistant and thrives in full sunlight, while also being able to endure some shade. For optimal growth, it is recommended to plant Mexican feather grass seedlings in the spring. This perennial thrives in USDA zones 7 to 10, reappearing annually, and in its preferred zones, it can self-seed.

On the downside, Mexican feather grass can be invasive in certain areas and is recognized as an invasive species in California. In regions where it spreads uncontrollably, maintaining the landscape can be quite labor-intensive, as it necessitates the regular removal of seedlings from unwanted areas in your garden.

Light

Although the plant can endure partial shade, Mexican feather grass thrives most effectively in direct sunlight.

Soil

To cultivate Mexican feather grass, choose loamy soil that provides excellent drainage. If your soil is too compact, improve its texture by incorporating sand and organic materials.

Water

Mexican feather grass requires minimal to moderate amounts of water. After it becomes established, it can withstand dry conditions. During periods of drought, this grass enters a dormant state to survive.

Climate and Moisture Levels

Mexican feather grass does not thrive in hot summer conditions. While it does not perish, it often fades in color during the hottest and most humid periods. This grass is resilient in winter, withstanding temperatures as low as 0 degrees Fahrenheit, but prolonged exposure to temperatures below that can be fatal.

Fertilizer

Apply a generous layer of compost each year to nourish Mexican feather grass.

Ways to Eliminate Mexican Feather Grass

When the conditions are favorable, Mexican feather grass can spread extensively, potentially outcompeting your other plants. Once it takes root, managing it can become quite difficult. There are two primary methods for eliminating Mexican feather grass: physical and chemical removal. Physical removal can be achieved through hand weeding or targeted grazing. However, mowing can be counterproductive, as it can facilitate the spread of seeds rather than eliminate the grass.

Chemical control techniques involve the use of powerful herbicides such as glyphosate or hexazinone, which can achieve a success rate of 76 to 100%, often requiring multiple applications. Research conducted by the Texas A&M extension service, referencing studies from Australia, indicates that targeting individual plants with a 1.5% glyphosate foliar spray or applying 2 ml of hexazinone to the soil per plant can yield effective results.

Pruning

Mexican feather grass requires no pruning; however, you might consider cutting back any dead blooms and excessively long stems at the season’s end while preparing the plant for dormancy. Utilize clean, sharp garden shears and remove any debris to prevent the remnants from inadvertently reseeding.

Cultivating Mexican Feather Grass

Mexican feather grass can be propagated through seed sowing or by dividing existing plants. The ideal time for division is in the spring, prior to the emergence of new growth. This method is particularly effective for separating large clumps. Here’s a guide on how to propagate Mexican feather grass.

1. To remove the plant, you’ll require a shovel or trowel, a clean, sharp spade for dividing it, and some compost.
2. Mark approximately one inch from the outer perimeter of the cluster and excavate a circular area around it, ensuring you go down at least six inches. With the shovel, carefully remove the entire cluster along with its root ball.
3. Position the clump on its side and divide it into two or three sections with a sharp spade, based on its size.
4. Choose a new location, excavate a hole that is twice the dimensions of the root ball, and add compost to the bottom. Position the root ball in the hole, ensuring that the crown of the plant is slightly beneath the soil surface. Then, backfill the hole with soil.
5. Aquifer.

Growing Mexican Feather Grass from Seeds: A Step-by-Step Guide

Nassella tenuissima thrives when grown from seeds, especially if you begin the process indoors during early spring. Sow the seeds on a bed of potting mix, then lightly cover them with a thin layer of the same mix, soil, or sand. Ensure you water them consistently, and once the seedlings are robust, you can transplant them outdoors.

Transplanting and Replanting Mexican Feather Grass

Mexican feather grass can thrive in a spacious container alongside various other plants. Due to its tall stature, it serves best as a focal point in a diverse arrangement. Pair it with shorter, sun-loving plants that require excellent drainage. It’s crucial to be mindful of watering, as overwatering can be detrimental to Mexican feather grass in a container setting.

Overwintering

Mexican feather grass cannot endure regions with freezing winters. However, if it is potted, you can relocate it to a frost-free location or place it under a cold frame during the winter months to ensure its survival. Additionally, if you leave it in the ground throughout the winter, it may attract some animals that will graze on it.

Frequent Insects and Plant Illnesses

The plant is generally resilient against diseases and insect infestations, though it may occasionally suffer from aphids and leaf spots. Additionally, it is usually untouched by deer and rabbits.

Frequent Issues Associated with Mexican Feather Grass

Mexican feather grass is a hardy plant that requires minimal care and is simple to cultivate. It is largely trouble-free, showing resilience against a variety of diseases and pests.

Encroaching into a Region

A common issue with this plant is its tendency to dominate surrounding foliage or other plants. To control its spread manually, remove Mexican feather grass plants in the spring, just before they start to produce new green shoots. Another option is to use herbicides. If you appreciate the appearance of this plant but are concerned about its invasive nature in your garden or lawn, consider purchasing it from nurseries as an “infertile cultivar,” which will produce only sterile seeds.

Grasses Spreading Horizontally

If your Mexican feather grass begins to droop or “lodge,” it may indicate a lack of water, a transition into dormancy during winter, or excessive fertilization, particularly an overload of nitrogen in the soil. During the active growth period, make sure to water the grass, but be cautious to avoid waterlogging the soil. Additionally, fertilize these grasses just once each growing season, with spring being the optimal time. If the grasses have become overly large or the clump has become too thick, typically after about three years, consider dividing the clump.

Lawn Changing to a Brown Color

As the weather gets cooler, you might observe the tips of the plant turning brown. This indicates that it is starting to die back in anticipation of its dormant phase. During the growing season, browning can also suggest that the temperatures are excessively high and that the plant is not receiving sufficient water to avoid damage from heat.

What is the hardiness level of Mexican feather grass?

Mexican feather grass is a resilient plant that thrives in USDA zones 7 to 10. In zone 7, it can endure temperatures as low as 0 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit.

Does Mexican feather grass propagate independently?

Mexican feather grass tends to propagate itself in optimal environments, eagerly dispersing its seeds. This can lead to issues in areas such as California, where it is categorized as an invasive species.

What is the ideal time for pruning Mexican feather grass?

The optimal period for cutting back or eliminating dead foliage of Mexican feather grass is in early spring, just before new growth begins to appear. This season is also ideal for dividing clumps to facilitate propagation.