About
This deciduous, perennial grass producing arching clumps of very narrow foliage and compact, narrow flowerheads that appear plume-like as the individual florets produce very long, feathery awns.
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, Clay, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-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 usesArchitectural, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, City and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants
Native toEurope
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