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. It is low maintenance.
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
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
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
Frequently asked questions
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 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.
More in the Stipa genus
- Stipafeather grass
- Stipa barbata
- Stipa bavarica
- Stipa ichuichu
- Stipa joannis
- Stipa pennata
- Stipa ramosissimastout bamboo grass
- Stipa sparteaporcupine grass
