Overview
Stipa gigantea is a tufted grass like in the genus Stipa, part of the Poaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 1.5-2.5 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Stipa gigantea grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. It is drought resistant and low maintenance. Suggested uses include ornamental grass and prairie-style plantings. It is native to Iberian Peninsula and Morocco.
About
Celtica gigantea, commonly called giant feather grass, giant needle grass or golden-oats, is a species of flowering plant in the grass family, Poaceae, native to the Iberian Peninsula and Morocco. Despite being renamed and placed within the genus Celtica, it is still widely referred to—both in horticultural literature and amongst gardeners—by its synonym, Stipa gigantea.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Celtica gigantea
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
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Stipa gigantea size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Grass Like
- Habit
- Tufted
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Ornamental grass, prairie-style plantings
- Native to
- Iberian Peninsula, Morocco
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Stipa gigantea
- Cultivation
- Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- 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 gigantea?
Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established; avoid waterlogged conditions.
Where is the best place to plant Stipa gigantea?
Stipa gigantea prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Stipa gigantea need?
Stipa gigantea 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 gigantea?
Cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
How big does Stipa gigantea grow?
Stipa gigantea reaches a height of 1.5-2.5 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Stipa gigantea hardy in the UK?
Stipa gigantea 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 gigantea?
Division, seed.
More in the Stipa genus
Browse all Stipa →
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