About the genus
Stipa is a genus of about 140 species of large perennial hermaphroditic grasses collectively known as feather grass, needle grass, and spear grass. They are placed in the subfamily Pooideae and the tribe Stipeae, which also contains many species formerly assigned to Stipa, which have since been reclassified into new genera.
Wikipedia contributors, "Stipa", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Stipa
In the garden
Stipa arundinacea (Pheasant's Tail Grass) is a grass species originating from New Zealand and commonly cultivated in gardens for its graceful, arching foliage; it has also been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit. Although naturally uncommon in the wild, it is widely grown as an ornamental for its foliage colour and form. The plant carries green leaves that can develop clear orange, copper and gold highlights, particularly where soils are drier, and can reach roughly 0.9 m in height under favourable conditions. It tends to remain evergreen to semi-evergreen in milder climates but is marginal in colder areas and will die back or become deciduous following severe winter frosts. These seasonal changes are a normal part of its habit in cooler gardens. Use Stipa arundinacea where its arching form will be visible through the border; the combination of foliaged tones works well alongside other perennials and structural planting. Expect the flowering period to run from June to September.
Plant details
Stipa arundinacea size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Grass
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
