Overview
Stipa calamagrostis is a bushy grass like in the genus Stipa, part of the Poaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Stipa calamagrostis grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. It is low maintenance. Suggested uses include ornamental grass and prairie-style plantings. It is native to Central and southern Europe.
About
Under the synonym Stipa calamagrostis, this plant, and the cultivars 'Allgäu' and 'Lemperg' have won the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. It is an ornamental grass native to the clearings in the mountains of central and southern Europe, which grows in mounds of blue-green leaves and long, silvery plumes. A. calamagrostis can grow up to 91 cm in height. It grows to around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, carrying deciduous foliage. Grow it in full sun and most soil types. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained, well-drained conditions and west-facing, south-facing and east-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Achnatherum calamagrostis
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
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, South-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Stipa calamagrostis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Grass Like
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Ornamental grass, prairie-style plantings
- Native to
- Central and southern Europe
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Stipa calamagrostis
- Cultivation
- Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; tolerates a range of soil types and pH levels; drought tolerant once established; divide clumps in spring or autumn to maintain vigor.
- Pruning
- Cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Propagation
- Division, seed
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Stipa calamagrostis?
Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; tolerates a range of soil types and pH levels; drought tolerant once established; divide clumps in spring or autumn to maintain vigor.
Where is the best place to plant Stipa calamagrostis?
Stipa calamagrostis prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Stipa calamagrostis need?
Stipa calamagrostis is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
How do I prune Stipa calamagrostis?
Cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
How big does Stipa calamagrostis grow?
Stipa calamagrostis reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Stipa calamagrostis hardy in the UK?
Stipa calamagrostis has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Stipa calamagrostis?
Division, seed.
