Stipa tenuissima 'Pony Tails' – The Silky Ornamental Grass with Graceful Movement
Stipa tenuissima 'Pony Tails', also known as Mexican Feather Grass, is a graceful, fine-textured ornamental grass prized for its silky, hair-like foliage and delicate, flowing seed heads. With a light, airy form and constant motion in the breeze, it brings texture, softness, and movement to gardens of all styles. Ideal for borders, gravel gardens, or containers, this easy-care grass adds a naturalistic, meadow-like feel with minimal effort.
Why Grow Stipa tenuissima 'Pony Tails'?
Soft, Flowing Texture – The ultra-fine, thread-like foliage creates a soft, tactile effect that looks stunning when planted en masse or allowed to spill over edges.
Year-Round Interest – Evergreen in mild climates, it offers texture throughout the year, with golden seed heads shimmering in late summer and into autumn.
Movement and Sound – One of the most dynamic garden plants, it sways and rustles with every breeze, adding life and sound to your planting scheme.
Low Maintenance – Exceptionally easy to grow and care for, requiring very little attention once established.
Drought-Tolerant – Well-suited to dry gardens and gravel planting, thriving with minimal water once established.
Height of Plant
Stipa tenuissima 'Pony Tails' grows to a height of around 40–60 cm, with a spread of approximately 30–50 cm, forming a soft, upright clump that works well at the front of borders or among other sun-loving perennials.
Where to Site Your Stipa tenuissima 'Pony Tails'
With its delicate, wispy nature, 'Pony Tails' is perfect for:
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Gravel and dry gardens, where its drought-tolerance and texture complement stones and succulents.
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Mixed borders, adding softness and contrast to bold or structural plants.
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Container planting, especially in sunny spots like patios or roof terraces.
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Wildflower or prairie-style planting, where it fits seamlessly with other naturalistic grasses and flowers.
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Garden edges or pathways, where its soft foliage can spill and soften hard lines.
How to Grow and Care for Your Stipa tenuissima 'Pony Tails'
Soil – Prefers free-draining soil, whether sandy, loamy, or even slightly poor. Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged conditions.
Light – Thrives in full sun, where it will develop the best colour and seed heads. It can tolerate light shade, though growth may be less robust.
Watering – Water moderately during establishment. Once settled, it is very drought-tolerant and thrives in dry, sunny conditions.
Maintenance:
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Pruning – In early spring, gently comb through the plant with your fingers or a rake to remove dead or faded foliage. Avoid cutting hard like traditional grasses, as it may not regrow well.
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Dividing – Can be divided in spring if clumps become too large or crowded.
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Self-Seeding – In ideal conditions, it may self-seed—pull unwanted seedlings if you wish to control its spread.
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Pest & Disease Resistance – Generally free of pests and diseases, making it a great low-fuss choice.
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Cold Hardy – Hardy to around -10 to -15°C. May die back slightly in colder regions but often recovers well in spring.
Perfect Plant Combinations
Stipa tenuissima 'Pony Tails' pairs beautifully with Mediterranean and drought-tolerant plants. Try it with lavender, echinacea, salvia, sedum, or verbena bonariensis for a sun-loving, naturalistic scheme. It also contrasts well with the bold shapes of agapanthus or alliums, or acts as a soft buffer around roses or shrubs.
With its feathery elegance, effortless movement, and low-maintenance nature, Stipa tenuissima 'Pony Tails' is a must-have for adding texture and life to modern, cottage, or wild gardens. Whether in containers or borders, this ornamental grass provides beauty and motion all year round.
Does the height include the pot?
No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description
How long does delivery take?
Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.
Where will you leave my plants?
We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.
