Angel's hair 'Ponytails' (Stipa tenuissima) - ornamental grass - 11 cm pot - Height 25 cm

Stipa tenuissima is a hardy grass that easily withstands French winters in most regions. It can generally tolerate temperatures down to -15°C when planted in the ground in well-drained soil. The combination of frost and standing water is its main enemy; therefore, excellent drainage is the best winter protection. In a pot, the limited volume of soil can freeze solid during severe winters; in such cases, it is advisable to insulate the container or move it indoors to a frost-free location.

Mexican feather grass (Stipa tenuissima) is a fast-growing grass that can reach 40 to 60 cm in height and just as wide in two to three seasons under good conditions. From the first year after planting, the clump visibly fills out and produces its first feathery flower spikes. Its habit is naturally bushy, rounded, and slightly arching, with thread-like leaves that cascade downwards. Planted in spring, the young plants supplied in 11 cm pots establish quickly and begin to flower the following summer.

Mexican feather grass requires full sun to thrive: exposure to full sun, ideally south or southwest-facing, allows it to develop a compact and dense habit and produce abundant flowers. In partial shade or dappled shade, the plant becomes leggy, loses its characteristic bushy appearance and flowers poorly. Stipa tenuissima also enjoys windy conditions, as the wind highlights the graceful movement of its plumes and fine foliage.

Mexican feather grass (Stipa tenuissima) is an excellent companion for borders thanks to its airy foliage, which contrasts with the more structured forms of other perennials. It pairs perfectly with Echinacea purpurea and its bright pink flower heads, Salvia nemorosa and its blue spikes, or even Kniphofia for warm, dynamic combinations. Its golden tones also complement lavender, agapanthus and shrubby salvias. In a natural or prairie-style border, pair it with other grasses such as Pennisetum or Festuca to play with textures and heights.

The size of the angel'hair is limited to an annual cutback in early spring, ideally in March before the start of the growing season. Simply cut the clump to about 10 cm above the ground with pruning shears or a knife: this removes the dry, browned leaves from'winter and stimulates fresh, vigorous regrowth. You should never cut it back in autumn, as the evergreen foliage naturally protects the heart of the plant from the winter cold and also provides considerable winter ornamental interest.

Yes, the Cheveux d'ange grows very well in a pot on a terrace or balcony with full sun. Choose a container at least 25 to 30 cm in diameter with effective drainage, placing a layer of clay pellets or gravel at the bottom. Use a light substrate mixed with coarse sand to prevent waterlogging. In a pot, monitoring watering is more important: water moderately in summer when the substrate is dry on the surface, and significantly reduce watering in'autumn.

Stipa tenuissima is known to self-sow in gardens, especially in light, well-drained soils exposed to the sun. This ability to self-seed can be an advantage for naturally filling in a flower bed or rock garden, but it requires monitoring in small gardens. The young seedlings are easy to identify and remove before they become established. To limit self-sowing, simply cut off the flower spikes after flowering before the seeds mature at the end of summer.