Overview
Stipa spartea is a clump-forming grass in the genus Stipa, part of the Poaceae family, with linear leaves foliage. Stipa spartea grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include borders and prairie-style plantings.
About
Stipa spartea, commonly known as porcupine grass, is a clump-forming perennial grass within the Stipa genus. It features arching, linear leaves and produces narrow panicles with spikelets and long awns in summer and autumn. Suited to full sun and sheltered, south-facing positions, it thrives in well-drained, neutral loam soils. Hardy to UK zone H4, it is ideal for borders and prairie-style plantings. Maintenance includes cutting back in late winter, and it can be propagated by division or seed.
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
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Stipa spartea size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Grass
- Habit
- Clump-forming
- Foliage
- Linear leaves
- Suggested uses
- Borders, prairie-style plantings
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Stipa spartea
- Propagation
- Division, seed
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-resistant
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-resistant
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Stipa spartea?
Stipa spartea prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Stipa spartea need?
Stipa spartea grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Stipa spartea hardy in the UK?
Stipa spartea has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Stipa spartea?
Division, seed.
