With its wispy, feathery plumes dancing in the breeze, Mexican Feather Grass is a total showstopper in any landscape. The best part? It’s incredibly low-maintenance. However, if you want your ornamental grass to really thrive, timing your pruning right is key.
Wait Until Late Winter
The perfect time to grab your garden shears is right as the garden is starting to wake up from its winter nap. Ideally, you’ll want to prune in February or March. Trimming it back just before the growing season kicks into gear gives the plant a little “wake-up call” to start pushing out fresh, vibrant green blades.
Skip the Fall Cleanup
You might be tempted to tidy up the garden in the fall, but hold off on the feather grass! While many perennials get a haircut in autumn, doing that to feather grass can be a death sentence. This plant is pretty sensitive to “wet feet” and can rot easily if the soil stays too damp. Those old leaves and stalks actually act as a natural umbrella, protecting the root system from excessive winter rain and snow. If you cut them too early, you’re inviting moisture to settle into the crown, which can kill the plant before spring even arrives.
How to Get the Perfect Cut
When you’re ready to prune, gather the stalks into bundles and use a sharp pair of shears or a garden knife. You’ll want to leave about four inches (10 cm) of growth above the ground. This gives the new shoots plenty of room to grow while protecting the base of the plant. As long as you don’t see any signs of pests or disease, those clippings are perfect for your compost pile!
Other Reasons to Reach for the Shears
While the big annual trim happens in early spring, there are a few other times you might want to do a little snipping:
- Bouquets: Those feathery plumes make a gorgeous, airy filler for homegrown floral arrangements.
- Health Checks: If you notice any pests or signs of disease, it’s best to cut away the affected areas immediately.
- General Tidying: You can always snip off any stray brown or dried-out bits throughout the year to keep it looking sharp.
