Mares Tail Grass Growing Guide: Cold-Hardy Trellis Champion for Small Spaces

Mares tail grass transforms any corner into a dreamy, airy trellis—its silvery plumes swaying like fairy curtains. 🌿 I first fell for this plant when it turned a dull winter border into a frosty masterpiece, and it’s been a staple ever since.

Unlike fussy perennials, mare’s tail thrives in tough conditions, making it the perfect low-maintenance star for small spaces or rocky slopes.

The secret to its success is simple: it loves full sun to partial shade, tolerates poor soil, and survives drought once established. Plant seeds in early spring or fall, pressing them just below the surface—no need for fancy prep.

Within 6-8 weeks, those signature fluffy tails emerge, creating a cloud-like effect that lasts through summer and often into winter.

By midsummer, you’ll have a textured, drought-resistant backdrop for other plants, plus dried stems perfect for winter arrangements. The best part? It self-seeds modestly, so you’ll likely get free reinforcements year after year. Even in my zone 5 garden, it bounces back every spring with barely any fuss.

For best results, shear back spent stems in early spring to encourage fresh growth, and avoid overwatering—this plant hates soggy roots. Use it as a border, in containers, or even as a living mulch to suppress weeds.

Once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this effortless beauty.

What you need

How to grow mares tail grass as a cold-hardy trellis plant

This elegant, drought-resistant grass thrives in small spaces and delivers stunning vertical interest—here's how to grow it like a pro.

Mares tail grass (Lagurus ovatus) loves full sun—at least 6 hours daily—but tolerates partial shade in hot climates. I always choose a spot with well-draining soil because soggy roots will rot those delicate stems. Look for areas with 3-4 feet of vertical clearance since mature plants reach 2-3 feet tall.

This grass spreads gently, so plant 12-18 inches apart in groups of 3-4 for a fuller look. If using as a trellis, install lightweight trellises or obelisks now—you'll want them in place before planting. The key is to give each plant room to arch gracefully without crowding neighbors.

Work 2-3 inches of compost into the topsoil to improve drainage and fertility. Mares tail grass isn't fussy about soil pH but thrives in neutral to slightly alkaline conditions (pH 6.5-7.5). I always test my soil first—you can grab a cheap kit at any garden center.

Plant in early spring after the last frost when soil temperatures reach 50°F. For container growing, use 5-gallon pots with drainage holes. Water thoroughly after planting, then let the top inch of soil dry between waterings. The first few weeks are critical—keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy.

As stems grow, gently weave them through trellises or tie them to stakes with soft twine. Mares tail grass is lightweight but needs support to maintain its elegant, cascading form. I avoid metal ties—they can cut delicate stems. Instead, use jute or fabric plant ties that won't damage the foliage.

Water deeply once weekly during the first growing season, allowing the top 2 inches of soil to dry between waterings. Once established, this drought-tolerant beauty needs water only during prolonged dry spells. Deadhead spent flower heads in early summer to encourage a second flush of blooms—just snip them off at the base with clean scissors.

In late fall, cut back stems to 3-4 inches tall before the first hard frost. This prevents flopping and protects the crown from winter damage. I always prune on a dry day—wet stems are more prone to fungal issues. Leave the cuttings in place as mulch around the base for extra winter protection.

In early spring, remove any dead or damaged growth before new shoots emerge. You'll notice fresh, bright green growth appearing within 2-3 weeks of warm weather. Fertilize lightly with 5-10-5 balanced fertilizer in early spring to support vigorous new growth—just follow package rates for ornamental grasses.

Cut stems when they're fully dry but still pliable for dried arrangements. Bundle 10-15 stems together and hang upside down in a dry, dark place for 2-3 weeks until completely crisp. These dried flowers retain their shape beautifully and make stunning winter bouquets.

Mares tail grass delivers four seasons of interest: silvery foliage in spring, fluffy seed heads in summer, golden hues in fall, and architectural winter structure. The more you prune and shape it, the fuller it grows—so don't be shy with those shears!

Tips & tricks for perfect mares tail grass growth

Transform your garden into a vertical paradise with these pro tips that'll make your mares tail grass thrive like never before.

Location Secrets: That 6 hours of daily sun is non-negotiable for optimal growth, but here's the thing—if you're in a hot climate, partial shade during peak afternoon sun can actually prevent leaf scorch. I've seen mares tail grass in Arizona thrive with morning sun and afternoon shade, so don't be afraid to experiment with your microclimate. The key is observing how your plants respond after a week or two.

Soil Prep Game-Changer: While the instructions mention 2-3 inches of compost, I've found that adding a handful of perlite or coarse sand to the planting hole creates even better drainage for those first critical weeks. This is especially important if your native soil tends to compact. The extra aeration helps prevent root rot while the plants establish themselves—trust me, your grass will reward you with stronger stems.

Support System Strategy: When it comes to trellises, don't overlook the importance of spacing those 3-4 feet of vertical clearance. I've seen beautiful mares tail grass installations where the trellises were too close together, causing stems to compete for space and lose their elegant arch. Install your trellises at least 12 inches apart from each other to give each plant room to shine. Plus, this spacing makes maintenance easier—you won't be fighting to reach the back plants when it's time to tie stems.

Pruning Pro Tip: That 3-4 inch pruning height in fall is perfect, but here's what nobody tells you—use sharp, clean pruners and make your cuts at a 45-degree angle just above a leaf node. This angled cut helps water run off and prevents fungal infections that can occur at blunt cuts. I also recommend wearing gloves when handling the dried stems—they can be surprisingly prickly when dry!

Frequently asked questions

Is mares tail grass really cold-hardy? Can it survive winter?

Mares tail grass is one of the toughest perennials around! It thrives in USDA Zones 3-10 and often re-sprouts from the roots after winter dieback. In colder climates, mulch lightly with straw or leaves to protect new shoots in early spring. Just avoid heavy mulch—this plant prefers well-draining soil and can rot if smothered.

How long does it take for mares tail grass to establish and grow tall?

Patience pays off! In the first year, expect slow growth (3–6 inches). By year two, it can shoot up to 3–5 feet tall with proper care. Full maturity (6+ feet) typically takes 3–4 years, but it spreads aggressively via rhizomes—so plan for containment if space is limited.

Can I grow mares tail grass in containers? What’s the best pot size?

This grass adapts well to containers 12+ inches deep and wide, with drainage holes. Use a fast-draining mix (like cactus blend) to prevent root rot. Pro tip: Divide roots every 2–3 years to keep it from overcrowding. Just know—it’ll still spread via rhizomes, so choose a sturdy pot!