Overview
Stipa capillata is a grass in the genus Stipa, part of the Q43238 family. Stipa capillata grows best in full sun, and tolerates well-drained and sandy or rocky soils soils. Suggested uses include ornamental grass, rock gardens and naturalistic plantings. It is native to Europe and Asia.
About
Stipa capillata is a perennial bunching grass valued for its very slender, feather-like flowering stems. It is native to Europe and Asia and suits exposed, sunny sites. Plant in free-draining, sandy or rocky soils and allow a dry to medium soil moisture regime. Flowering runs from June to September, when the narrow inflorescences give a light, airy texture to the planting.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Stipa capillata
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
In the garden
Stipa capillata is a perennial grass from Europe and Asia that forms compact tussocks topped by fine, feather-like flowering stems. As an ornamental grass it has a natural affinity with open, exposed sites and places where soils are lean and free-draining. Place this grass in full sun on well-drained, sandy or rocky soils; it tolerates dry to medium moisture and will not thrive in waterlogged ground. The species suits exposed positions and can be used where other plants might struggle in thin soils. Flowering occurs from June to September, offering a long season when its wiry stems and seedheads contribute movement and a soft texture. Design uses include rock gardens, gravel beds and naturalistic plantings where a fine-textured grass helps knit together stone and perennials. Position plants where their airy stems can be seen against a backdrop of lower-growing plants or gravel; grouped specimens read better at a distance than single isolated clumps. The flowering stems are most conspicuous between June and September, providing an unmistakable lightness to gravel borders and prairie-style drifts.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Stipa
- Sunlight
- full sun
- Soil type
- well-drained, sandy or rocky soils
- Soil moisture
- dry to medium
- Exposure
- exposed
Plant details
Stipa capillata size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Grass
- Suggested uses
- ornamental grass, rock gardens, naturalistic plantings
- Native to
- Europe, Asia
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Stipa capillata
- Cultivation
- Prefers dry, well-drained soils; drought tolerant once established
- Pruning
- Cut back in late winter or early spring before new growth
- Propagation
- seed
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Stipa capillata?
Prefers dry, well-drained soils; drought tolerant once established.
Where is the best place to plant Stipa capillata?
Stipa capillata prefers full sun. It suits exposed positions.
What soil does Stipa capillata need?
Stipa capillata grows best in well-drained and sandy or rocky soils soil. Aim for soil that stays dry to medium.
How do I prune Stipa capillata?
Cut back in late winter or early spring before new growth.
How do I propagate Stipa capillata?
Seed.
More in the Stipa genus
- Stipafeather grass
- Stipa arundinaceaPheasant's Tail Grass
- Stipa barbata
- Stipa bavarica
- Stipa calamagrostisrough feather grass
- Stipa ichuichu
- Stipa joannis
- Stipa pennata
