Mexican Feather Grass, also known as Nassella tenuissima, is a beautiful ornamental grass that adds a touch of elegance to any garden or landscape. While it requires minimal care, there are a few important steps you should take to ensure its health and longevity. One of these steps is cutting back the grass.
Cutting back Mexican Feather Grass is recommended for several reasons. First, removing dead or damaged foliage helps maintain the overall appearance of the plant. By cutting back the grass in early spring before it starts to grow, you can remove any unsightly brown or wilted leaves, allowing the fresh green growth to take center stage.
Another reason to cut back Mexican Feather Grass is to prevent self-seeding. This grass is known for its ability to self-sow and spread quickly, which can be both a blessing and a curse. If you want to control its spread and maintain a tidy garden, cutting back the grass before it sets seed is essential. This will help prevent the plant from spreading beyond its designated area and potentially becoming invasive.
To cut back Mexican Feather Grass, start by gathering all the foliage together into a bundle. Using sharp shears or pruners, cut the bundle down to a height of 2-3 inches above the ground. Be sure to wear gloves to protect your hands from the sharp grass blades. After cutting back the grass, you can either leave the cut foliage on the ground as a natural mulch or compost it.
It’s worth noting that Mexican Feather Grass is a tough and resilient plant, and cutting it back won’t harm it. In fact, it can even help rejuvenate the plant and promote new growth. By removing the old, dead foliage, you allow the plant to focus its energy on producing fresh, vibrant leaves.
In terms of timing, it’s best to cut back Mexican Feather Grass in early spring, before the new growth emerges. This ensures that you don’t accidentally cut off any new shoots and gives the plant plenty of time to recover and thrive throughout the growing season.
In terms of maintenance, Mexican Feather Grass is relatively low-maintenance once established. It is drought-tolerant and doesn’t require frequent watering. However, during periods of extreme dryness, it’s a good idea to provide supplemental irrigation to help the grass stay healthy and vibrant. Water deeply and infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings to avoid overwatering.
Cutting back Mexican Feather Grass is recommended for maintaining its appearance, controlling its spread, and promoting new growth. By cutting back the grass in early spring, removing dead foliage, and providing appropriate watering, you can ensure that your Mexican Feather Grass thrives and adds beauty to your garden or landscape.
