Overview
Stipa bavarica is a clump-forming grass in the genus Stipa, part of the Poaceae family, with linear leaves foliage. Stipa bavarica grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include borders and prairie-style plantings.
About
Stipa bavarica is a clump-forming grass cultivar within the Stipa genus, known for its perennial grasses with arching, linear leaves. This cultivar thrives in full sun on well-drained, neutral loam soil, ideally in a sheltered, south-facing position. It is hardy to UK zone H4 and is suitable for borders and prairie-style plantings. Stipa bavarica produces narrow panicles with spikelets and long awns during summer and autumn, providing seasonal interest from spring through to autumn.
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
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Stipa bavarica size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Grass
- Habit
- Clump-forming
- Foliage
- Linear leaves
- Suggested uses
- Borders, prairie-style plantings
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Stipa bavarica
- Propagation
- Division, seed
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-resistant
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-resistant
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Stipa bavarica?
Stipa bavarica prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Stipa bavarica need?
Stipa bavarica grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Stipa bavarica hardy in the UK?
Stipa bavarica has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Stipa bavarica?
Division, seed.
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.
More in the Stipa genus
- Stipafeather grass
- Stipa arundinaceaPheasant's Tail Grass

- Stipa capillatavery slender feather grass
- Stipa pulcherimma