Before you plant. As with most perennial grasses, feather reed grass is long-lived, tough and pretty maintenance free once in the ground. In order to avoid rust disease, maintain soil drainage and good air circulation around the plant. After flowering, cut the grass back to around 12” in late winter or early spring to clear out old growth. Being a cool-season grass, plant feather reed grass in spring or fall and enjoy its texture, color, and movement for seasons to come.