Feather Grass in March: monthly care

Feather grass requires minimal pruning, but an annual tidy-up in March keeps plants looking their best and encourages fresh, vigorous growth. Unlike many ornamental grasses that are cut back hard in late winter, Stipa tenuissima benefits from being left standing through autumn and winter. The bleached, straw-coloured foliage and seedheads provide valuable structure and movement in the dormant garden, and the old growth offers some frost protection to the crown. In March, before new shoots emerge, use a pair of sharp garden shears or secateurs to cut the entire clump back to within 5–10 cm of the ground. Work carefully to avoid damaging the crown or any emerging green shoots at the base. If you prefer, you can simply comb through the clump with gloved hands or a rake to pull out dead material, though a full cut-back is quicker and neater. Dispose of the trimmings on the compost heap or in green waste—do not leave them around the base, as they can harbour slugs and encourage rot. Feather grass is short-lived compared to many perennials, often declining after three to five years. If your clump looks sparse or dies out in patches, it's usually a sign the plant has reached the end of its natural lifespan rather than a pruning issue. Self-sown seedlings often appear nearby and can be transplanted to replace older plants. Deadheading is unnecessary and removes much of the ornamental appeal, so allow the feathery seedheads to develop and persist through summer and autumn.