Mexican Feather Grass Companion Plants: Enhancing Garden Designs

Table of Contents

Understanding Mexican Feather Grass

Mexican feather grass (Nassella tenuissima) is an ornamental grass native to Mexico and the southwestern United States. It's known for its delicate appearance, fine-textured blades, and golden-green color that sways in the breeze. This grass typically grows in clumps up to 3 feet tall and spreads through self-seeding. In recent years, it has become a popular choice for landscape designers because of its beauty and versatility.

The Importance of Companion Planting

Companion planting is a gardening technique that involves planting different species of plants together to enhance their growth and health. When correctly, companion planting can lead to healthier plants, increased yields, and a more attractive garden. Choosing the right companion plants for Mexican feather grass can help create a cohesive design that maximizes the beauty and benefits of each plant.

15 Companion Plants for Mexican Feather Grass

1. Salvia

Salvia is a great companion plant for Mexican feather grass as it creates a stunning contrast. The bright blue or purple flowers of salvia stand out against the soft golden-green texture of the grass. Not only does it look beautiful, but salvia also attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies to the garden.

Planting Tips:

- Plant salvia around the base of Mexican feather grass to create a natural border.
- Choose varieties that bloom at the same time as Mexican feather grass, such as Salvia 'May Night' or Salvia 'Caradonna'.

2. Agastache

Agastache, also known as hyssop or hummingbird mint, is another great companion plant for Mexican feather grass. It has long-lasting blooms in shades of pink, purple, and orange that attract hummingbirds and butterflies to the garden.

Planting Tips:

- Plant agastache in clusters around the base of Mexican feather grass.
- Choose varieties that bloom at the same time as Mexican feather grass, such as Agastache 'Blue Fortune' or Agastache 'Summer Sky'.

3. Echinacea

Echinacea, also known as coneflower, is a popular perennial that adds color and texture to the garden. Its bold, daisy-like flowers come in a variety of colors, including pink, white, yellow, and orange.

Planting Tips:

- Plant echinacea in groups around the base of Mexican feather grass to create a striking contrast.
- Choose varieties that bloom at the same time as Mexican feather grass, such as Echinacea purpurea or Echinacea 'Magnus'.

4. Rudbeckia

Rudbeckia, also known as black-eyed Susan, is a hardy perennial that produces bright yellow or orange flowers with dark centers. It's a great companion plant for Mexican feather grass because it blooms at the same time and attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Planting Tips:

- Plant rudbeckia in groups around the base of Mexican feather grass for a stunning display of color.
- Choose varieties that are similar in height to Mexican feather grass, such as Rudbeckia fulgida or Rudbeckia hirta.

5. Coreopsis

Coreopsis, also known as tickseed, is a low-maintenance perennial that adds bright yellow or orange flowers to the garden. It's a great companion plant for Mexican feather grass because it blooms at the same time and creates a stunning contrast.

Planting Tips:

- Plant coreopsis in clusters around the base of Mexican feather grass for a bold display of color.
- Choose varieties that are similar in height to Mexican feather grass, such as Coreopsis grandiflora or Coreopsis 'Moonbeam'.

6. Allium

Alliums, also known as ornamental onions, are bulbous perennials that add vertical interest to the garden. They produce large round flowerheads in shades of pink, purple, and white that bloom in late spring or early summer.

Planting Tips:

- Plant allium bulbs around the base of Mexican feather grass in the fall for a beautiful display of color in the spring.
- Choose varieties that are similar in height to Mexican feather grass, such as Allium 'Purple Sensation' or Allium 'Globemaster'.

7. Verbena

Verbena is a low-growing perennial that produces clusters of small flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white. It's a great companion plant for Mexican feather grass because it creates a soft, romantic look in the garden.

Planting Tips:

- Plant verbena in clusters around the base of Mexican feather grass for a natural, flowing effect.
- Choose varieties that are similar in height to Mexican feather grass, such as Verbena bonariensis or Verbena canadensis.

8. Penstemon

Penstemon, also known as beardtongue, is a versatile perennial that comes in a variety of colors, including pink, purple, and white. It blooms in late spring or early summer and attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies to the garden.

Planting Tips:

- Plant penstemon in groups around the base of Mexican feather grass for a stunning display of color.
- Choose varieties that are similar in height to Mexican feather grass, such as Penstemon 'Dark Towers' or Penstemon 'Firebird'.

9. Lavender

Lavender is a fragrant perennial that produces spikes of purple flowers in the summer. It's a great companion plant for Mexican feather grass because it creates a calming, aromatic atmosphere in the garden.

Planting Tips:

- Plant lavender in clusters around the base of Mexican feather grass to create a natural border.
- Choose varieties that are similar in height to Mexican feather grass, such as Lavandula angustifolia or Lavandula stoechas.

10. Sedum

Sedum, also known as stonecrop, is a low-growing perennial that adds texture and color to the garden. Its succulent leaves come in shades of green, blue, and purple, and its flowers bloom in shades of pink, red, and yellow.

Planting Tips:

- Plant sedum in clusters around the base of Mexican feather grass for a natural, flowing effect.
- Choose varieties that are similar in height to Mexican feather grass, such as Sedum 'Autumn Joy' or Sedum 'Purple Emperor'.

11. Yarrow

Yarrow is a hardy perennial that produces clusters of small flowers in shades of yellow, pink, and white. It's a great companion plant for Mexican feather grass because it blooms at the same time and attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Planting Tips:

- Plant yarrow in clusters around the base of Mexican feather grass for a bold, colorful display.
- Choose varieties that are similar in height to Mexican feather grass, such as Achillea millefolium or Achillea 'Moonshine'.

12. Nepeta

Nepeta, also known as catmint, is a low-maintenance perennial that produces spikes of blue or purple flowers in the summer. It's a great companion plant for Mexican feather grass because it creates a soft, romantic look in the garden.

Planting Tips:

- Plant nepeta in clusters around the base of Mexican feather grass for a natural, flowing effect.
- Choose varieties that are similar in height to Mexican feather grass, such as Nepeta racemosa or Nepeta x faassenii.

13. Heuchera

Heuchera, also known as coral bells, is a versatile perennial that comes in a variety of colors, including green, purple, and bronze. It blooms in late spring or early summer and attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies to the garden.

Planting Tips:

- Plant heuchera in groups around the base of Mexican feather grass for a stunning display of color.
- Choose varieties that are similar in height to Mexican feather grass, such as Heuchera 'Obsidian' or Heuchera 'Caramel'.

14. Stachys

Stachys, also known as lamb's ear, is a low-growing perennial that adds texture and color to the garden. Its fuzzy, silver-green leaves create a striking contrast against the golden-green blades of Mexican feather grass.

Planting Tips:

- Plant stachys in clusters around the base of Mexican feather grass for a natural, flowing effect.
- Choose varieties that are similar in height to Mexican feather grass, such as Stachys byzantina or Stachys monieri.

15. Perovskia

Perovskia, also known as Russian sage, is a fragrant perennial that produces spikes of lavender-blue flowers in the summer. It's a great companion plant for Mexican feather grass because it creates a calming, aromatic atmosphere in the garden.

Planting Tips:

- Plant perovskia in groups around the base of Mexican feather grass for a stunning display of color.
- Choose varieties that are similar in height to Mexican feather grass, such as Perovskia atriplicifolia or Perovskia 'Little Spire'.


Mexican feather grass is a beautiful and versatile plant that can be enhanced with the right companion plants. By choosing plants that bloom at the same time, create a striking contrast, and attract pollinators, you can create a cohesive design that maximizes the beauty and benefits of each plant. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a beginner, adding companion plants to your Mexican feather grass can take your garden to the next level.

FAQs

1. How do I care for Mexican feather grass?

Mexican feather grass is a low-maintenance plant that thrives in full sun and well-draining soil. Water it deeply once a week during hot, dry weather, and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.

2. Can Mexican feather grass be invasive?

Yes, Mexican feather grass can self-seed and become invasive in some areas. To prevent this, deadhead the flowers before they go to seed and remove any unwanted seedlings.

3. Can Mexican feather grass be grown in containers?

Yes, Mexican feather grass can be grown in containers as long as the container has drainage holes and the soil is well-draining. Choose a container that is at least 12 inches deep and 18 inches wide to give the roots enough room to grow.

4. How do I propagate Mexican feather grass?

Mexican feather grass can be propagated through division or seed. To divide the plant, dig up the clump in the spring or fall and separate it into smaller sections, making sure each section has roots and foliage. To grow from seed, plant the seeds in the fall or early spring in well-draining soil and keep them moist until they germinate.

5. What pests and diseases affect Mexican feather grass?

Mexican feather grass is generally pest and disease-free, but it can be susceptible to leaf spot, rust, and stem rot in humid conditions. To prevent these issues, avoid overwatering and provide good air circulation around the plant.

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