Dwarf Feather Grass
Dwarf Feather Grass is a small-scale warm season grass native to Texas and Mexico. It grows only 6-10” tall, has beautiful fine-textured foliage, and is soft to the touch. In the summer, it's topped with delicate bottlebrush-like flower plumes that usually sway in the wind. This evergreen grass is perfect for rock gardens, borders, and pathways. Taking well to drought-like conditions, Dwarf Feather Grass is perfect for xeric plantings, too.
During the growing season, make sure to keep the soil evenly moist and water regularly. It's best to water the soil instead of the foliage, to avoid fungus or rot. When the weather gets cooler, some dry weather is easily tolerated by this grass. Always check the soil before watering.
Dwarf Feather Grass thrives in plenty of bright sunlight. This grass should receive 6 hours a day of direct sunshine. If the grass receives too little light, it may become weak in form and the vibrant color will start to fade. If possible, try to limit very strong, direct sunlight during midday as intense heat can scorch the foliage.
Dwarf Feather Grass grows best in warm temperatures. It will thrive in zones 7 to 11 between 55-100° Fahrenheit (12-38° Celsius). This ornamental grass will not tolerate temperatures below 55°F (12°C) so try to keep your plant in a warm spot, away from any cold drafts in the winter.
This grass is quite forgiving when it comes to humidity levels. It thrives in normal household humidity levels as well as in dry climates. Keeping the soil evenly moist will prevent the foliage from drying out.
Dwarf Feather Grass prefers a rich, organic, well-draining potting soil. Too much waterlogged soil can cause root rot. So make sure to repot your plant in a container with good drainage holes and use a high-quality potting mix.
Feeding Dwarf Feather Grass once or twice a year with a balanced fertilizer ensures the abundant growth of your plant. The best time to fertilize is in late spring with a slow-release fertilizer that's right for ornamental and warm season grasses. During the rest of the year, a liquid fertilizer can also be used to give your grass the right nutrition.
Dwarf Feather Grass is generally pest free but occasionally it may become infested with aphids or sawflies. Good sanitation and regularly checking your plant for pests can prevent them from occurring. If infested, spray your plants with a hose to remove the pests, use insecticidal soap, or a neem oil solution.
Dwarf Feather Grass doesn't need frequent repotting. Every two to three years, repot the plant into a slightly larger container, using a well-draining potting soil. For best results, try to keep the roots from turning too much and try to keep some of the original soil directly around the roots.
It's best to prune your Dwarf Feather Grass in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Gently comb out the old foliage and then shear the plant down to 4-6” to prevent it from becoming too leggy. You can also cut the flower stems back for an attractive view in the garden.
To keep the soil moist for a longer time, it's best to apply a good layer of mulch – such as shredded leaves, straw or finely shredded bark – to the soil surface. This will also help maintain the even moisture and deter weeds growth.
Dwarf Feather Grass easily propagates by division or from seed. In the early spring, it’s best to divide the rooted plant and replant them into a suitable container. If growing from seed, scatter the seeds in the space between plants. If starting indoors, sow the seeds in quality potting mix. Keep the soil moist until the seedlings emerge.
For Dwarf Feather Grass, a simple stake may be needed to help stabilize the stems in the wind. Plant the grass in a place with some natural wind protection or opt for a bamboo, metal, or plastic support stake.
Dwarf Feather Grass needs a rest period during the winter. This means not fertilizing and keeping the watering to a minimum. If the weather gets too cold, consider covering your plant with a blanket to protect it from cold temperatures.
Dwarf Feather Grass is not known to be toxic to pets when ingested.
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