PLANT OF THE WEEK: STIPA TENUISSIMA (Mexican Feather Grass)

     Feather grass in sunlight


Floating in the slightest breeze, Stipa adds beautiful movement to the garden.


It literally glows golden in the light, and when it gets wet, the beads of water sparkle in its fine texture.


Easy to maintain, Stipa does not require a full cut back like other grasses.  Simply grab the clump like a big ponytail, give it a twist, and cut the top back a few inches.  It will return to a lovely arching shape.  Or, you can let it grow to full size for a 3 foot tall drift of pale wine colored "flower" heads.


Stipa tips


It is a delightful contrast to dense shrubs, or can be used alone to give a grassland look to a drier landscape.


Its drought tolerant and will grow in both full sun and part sun.  It does self seed, but not excessively.