About
A tufted, evergreen perennial about 1.5m tall, forming a compact, lax clump of narrow mid-green leaves. Silvery, purplish-green spikelets are produced in long-stemmed, upright oat-like panicles, in summer, turning rich gold when mature.
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 moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeGrass Like
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen, Semi evergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrow in medium to light, moderately fertile well-drained soil in full sun. Divide every few years to maintain vigour. See ornamental grasses cultivation
PruningRemove dead leaves and spent flower panicles in early spring
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in spring or by division in late winter or early spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free