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AGM plants have been through a rigorous trial and assessment programme. They are:
This plant will provide nectar and pollen for bees and the many other types of pollinating insects.
It is included in an evolving list of plants carefully researched and chosen by RHS experts. Divided into 3 groups these lists, linked below, are maintained by a team of RHS staff and are reviewed annually.
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Other common names Mexican feather grass Texas needle grass
Synonyms Nassella tenuissima Nassella tenuissima 'Pony Tails'
Stipa tenuifolia misapplied Stipa tenuissima 'Pony Tails'
Family Poaceae
Genus Stipa can be evergreen or deciduous, mostly perennial grasses with arching, folded or rolled, linear leaves and narrow panicles of often long-awned spikelets in summer and autumn
Details S. tenuissima is a deciduous grass to 60cm, forming a compact upright tuft of thread-like leaves, with narrow, arching, feathery flowering panicles in summer
Plant range USA to S America
Foliage Deciduous
Habit Tufted
Hardiness
All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets
H4
Full Sun
Aspect South-facing or North-facing or West-facing or East-facing
Exposure Exposed or Sheltered
Loam
Chalk
Sand
Clay
MoistureWell-drained, Moist but well-drained
SoilLoam, Chalk, Sand, Clay
pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Ultimate height 0.5-1 metres
Ultimate spread 0.1-0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height 2-5 years
Cultivation Grow in medium to light, moderately fertile soil in full sun
Propagation Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in spring or by division in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types Flower borders and beds Low Maintenance Architectural City & Courtyard Gardens Cottage & Informal Garden
Pruning Leaves can be cut back when they die off; rather than doing this in late autumn it's best to wait until early spring
Pests Generally pest free
Diseases Generally disease free
RHS members can get exclusive individual advice from the RHS Gardening Advice team.
Mexican feather grass
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