🌾 Botanical Name: Stipa tenuissima (syn. Nassella tenuissima)
🌾 Common Name: Pony Tails Grass, Mexican Feather Grass
🌾 Ideal for: Borders, containers, prairie-style planting, gravel gardens
🌾 Hardiness: Hardy in most parts of the UK (to around -10°C)

Introduction to Stipa tenuissima 'Pony Tails'

Stipa tenuissima 'Pony Tails' is a graceful, fine-leaved ornamental grass known for its flowing movement and feathery texture. The pale green foliage turns golden through the season, topped with delicate seed heads that shimmer in the breeze from summer through autumn.

This low-maintenance, drought-tolerant grass is perfect for naturalistic planting, gravel gardens, and containers. It adds softness and movement to sunny borders, and looks stunning when planted in groups or alongside perennials.

🌿 Add elegant texture to your garden – Shop Stipa tenuissima 'Pony Tails' 30cm 5L at Web Garden Centre.

Best Growing Conditions for Stipa tenuissima

Light Requirements

☀️ Thrives in full sun
☀️ Will tolerate light shade, but may become floppy in low light

Soil Requirements

🌱 Prefers light, well-drained soils
🌱 Tolerates sandy, gravelly, or even poor soils
🌱 Avoid wet or heavy clay soils

📌 Tip: Perfect for Mediterranean schemes, modern borders, and coastal gardens.

Planting Stipa tenuissima

1️⃣ Choose a sunny, well-drained spot or large pot with drainage holes
2️⃣ Dig a hole slightly larger than the rootball and improve drainage with grit if needed
3️⃣ Plant at the same level as the pot and water in well
4️⃣ Space 30–40cm apart when planting in groups

📌 Container tip: Use a gritty, free-draining mix and avoid overwatering.

Watering & Feeding

Watering Tips

💧 Water occasionally until established
💧 Once settled, this grass is very drought-tolerant
💧 Allow the soil to dry out between waterings

Feeding Tips

🌾 Feeding is rarely necessary
🌾 If desired, apply a low-nitrogen feed in spring to encourage growth

Pruning & Maintenance

✂️ In early spring, gently rake through the clump or comb out old blades by hand
✂️ Avoid cutting back hard – this can weaken the plant
✂️ Divide every 2–3 years in spring to refresh the clump and maintain shape

📌 Minimal care and great for naturalistic or relaxed planting styles.

Winter Care for Stipa tenuissima

This grass is hardy but benefits from good drainage in winter.

❄️ Leave foliage over winter for interest and to protect the crown
❄️ Cut back or tidy in early spring before new growth starts
❄️ In wet regions, ensure soil or pots don’t become waterlogged

FAQs About Stipa tenuissima 'Pony Tails'

1. Is Stipa tenuissima evergreen?

In mild areas, yes – it remains semi-evergreen, offering year-round texture.

2. Can I grow it in a container?

Absolutely – it's excellent in pots as long as drainage is good.

3. How tall does it grow?

It typically reaches 30–50cm in height with a soft, rounded shape.

4. Does it spread?

It forms clumps and may gently self-seed in free-draining soil.

5. Can I cut it back hard?

No – it’s better to comb through old foliage rather than cut hard.

6. Is it drought tolerant?

Yes – once established, it's very drought-tolerant and thrives in dry conditions.

7. How often should I divide it?

Every 2 to 3 years in spring to keep it vigorous and tidy.

8. Will it survive winter in a pot?

Yes – just make sure pots are raised and well-drained.

9. Does it need fertiliser?

Not usually – it prefers lean soil. Too much feed can cause floppy growth.

10. Where can I buy Stipa tenuissima in the UK?

Right here! Shop Stipa 'Pony Tails' 30cm 5L at Web Garden Centre.

Final Thoughts on Growing Stipa tenuissima

Stipa tenuissima 'Pony Tails' is a versatile and effortlessly beautiful grass that brings movement, softness, and subtle colour to UK gardens. Whether mass-planted or added to containers, it’s an easy way to introduce a natural, flowing texture to your design.

🌾 Order your Stipa tenuissima 'Pony Tails' today and bring graceful motion to your garden.