About
A deciduous, perennial grass forming upright clumps of fine, lime green foliage and arching, silvery-white, feathery plumes in summer to about 90cm. Flowers become white when they dry, and the foliage pale buff, remaining on the plant all winter.
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
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeGrass Like
HabitTufted
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants, Architectural, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden
Native toMexico to Argentina
Care notes
CultivationGrow in medium to light, moderately fertile soil in full sun. Divide every few years to maintain vigour. See ornamental grasses cultivation
PruningCut back all dead leaves and stems in late winter or early spring before new growth begins
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