About
A clump-forming, deciduous, perennial grass with narrow, arching leaves and feathery, silvery-green flower panicles in summer. When the flowers and leaves die they turn buff-coloured and remain on the plant all winter. It has slightly larger flowers over a longer period than the species.
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, East-facing, South-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
Care notes
CultivationGrow in medium to light, moderately fertile soil in full sun. Divide every few years in late winter to early spring to retain vigour. See ornamental grasses cultivation
PruningCut all dead growth back in late winter or early spring before growth begins
PropagationPropagate by division in late winter or early spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free