Overview
Stipa barbata is a plant with a tufted habit in the genus Stipa, part of the Poaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Stipa barbata grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include gravel garden, cottage and informal garden, low maintenance, cut flowers and flower borders and beds.
About
Stipa barbata, commonly known as the bearded feather grass or silver feather grass, is a species of perennial grass native to southern Europe, North Africa, and the Levant in the Mediterranean Basin, and temperate Asia. It is valued for its elegant, feathery awns that create a shimmering effect in the wind.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Stipa barbata
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
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Stipa
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Stipa barbata size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Tufted
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Gravel garden, Cottage and informal garden, Low Maintenance, Cut flowers, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Stipa barbata
- Propagation
- Seed sown in pots in a cold frame in spring, Division in spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Stipa barbata?
Stipa barbata prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Stipa barbata need?
Stipa barbata grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Stipa barbata hardy in the UK?
Stipa barbata has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Stipa barbata?
Seed sown in pots in a cold frame in spring, Division in spring.
