Stipa tenuissima 'Pony Tails' | Mexican Feather Grass - Height 30-40cm - 3lt

Stipa tenuissima ‘Pony Tails’, often known as Mexican feather grass, is a graceful ornamental grass prized for its exceptionally fine, hair-like foliage and light, airy presence in the garden. It forms soft, rounded clumps of slender green blades that resemble flowing strands of hair, creating a fountain-like shape that moves beautifully with the slightest breeze.

In late spring and early summer, the plant produces delicate, feathery flower panicles that rise just above the foliage. These silky seed heads begin as pale green before gradually turning a warm golden-buff colour as the season progresses. When backlit by sunlight, the plumes appear almost luminous, giving borders a soft, shimmering quality that adds both texture and movement to planting schemes.

Typically reaching around 45–60 cm in height and spread, Stipa tenuissima ‘Pony Tails’ works well in a wide range of garden styles. It is particularly effective in naturalistic planting, prairie-style borders, gravel gardens and contemporary landscapes, where its flowing habit contrasts beautifully with more structured plants. It also combines well with drought-tolerant perennials such as salvias, echinaceas and verbena, softening the overall composition while adding a sense of rhythm and continuity.

This ornamental grass thrives best in full sun and well-drained soil. Once established, it is relatively drought tolerant and requires very little maintenance, making it a popular choice for low-maintenance planting schemes. In milder areas it can remain semi-evergreen, although older foliage may benefit from a gentle combing through in early spring to remove dead blades and encourage fresh growth.

Overall, Stipa tenuissima ‘Pony Tails’ is valued for its elegance, resilience and ability to introduce softness, motion and natural beauty to garden spaces.