About
A tufted deciduous perennial with narrow, arching leaves and feathery panicles of pale green spikelets in summer that turn light buff and persist into winter.
About the genus
Stipa can be evergreen or deciduous, mostly perennial grasses with arching, folded or rolled, linear leaves and narrow panicles of often long-awned spikelets in summer and autumn
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeGrass Like
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Native toEurope, Asia, Africa
Care notes
CultivationGrow in medium to light, moderately fertile soil in full sun. Divide every few years to retain vigour. See ornamental grasses cultivation
PruningCut back all dead leaves and stems in late winter or early spring before new growth begins
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in spring or by division in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free