Photo: Drew Avery, CC BY 2.0 · source
Pruning guide · Ornamental grass
Mexican feather grass: when and how to prune
Nassella tenuissima
Mexican feather grass is best pruned in March–April and August.
| Pruning months | March–April and August |
|---|---|
| Flowering | June–August |
| Native to Belgium | No, planted |
Mexican feather grass: when to prune it?
Do not cut it short: in March–April, comb out the dead stems by hand. In August you can cut off the plumes to limit self-seeding.
Mexican feather grass: how to prune it?
- Put on gloves and run spread fingers through the clump: the dead, loose stems come out easily.
- Only trim brown leaf tips; leave the green heart.
- If you do not want seedlings, cut off the plumes in August as soon as they turn blond.
- Cutting it down to the ground weakens this plant; it often recovers poorly.
How much to cut, and how often?
- There are 2 pruning periods a year: March–April and August. You don’t have to prune in every one.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Don’t cut more than you need to: what stays standing gives insects and birds food and shelter.
Caution: It self-seeds freely: weed out seedlings in time and keep it away from nature areas.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Mexican feather grass · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.