When to plant Mexican Feather Grass?

Mexican feather grass thrives in full sun and free-draining soil, making it ideal for gravel gardens, sunny borders, and Mediterranean-style planting schemes. It tolerates sandy soil, loam, and chalky soil equally well, but the key requirement is excellent drainage—waterlogged conditions will quickly kill it. Before planting, work in grit or sharp sand if your soil is heavy clay to improve drainage. Plant pot-grown specimens in April, May, or September when the soil is workable and temperatures are mild. Dig a hole roughly twice the width of the root ball but no deeper, so the crown sits at the same level it was in the pot. Space plants 35 cm apart to allow each clump to develop its characteristic arching habit without crowding. If planting in groups, arrange them in odd numbers for a more natural effect. After planting, firm the soil gently around the roots and water in well to settle the plant, even though this grass is drought-tolerant once established. For the first few weeks, water occasionally during dry spells to help roots establish, but avoid keeping the soil constantly moist. A light mulch of gravel or grit around the base will suppress weeds and further improve drainage, but keep mulch away from the crown itself to prevent rot. Avoid planting in heavy shade or damp, poorly drained sites. Mexican feather grass is evergreen in mild winters and performs best in open, sunny positions where air circulation is good. Autumn planting gives roots time to establish before winter, but spring planting is safer in colder or wetter gardens.