Stipa ichu
ichu
S. ichu is a deciduous, perennial grass forming upright clumps of fine, bright green foliage and arching, silvery-white, feathery plumes in summer to about 90cm. Flowers dry to white, and foliage to pale buff, and remain on the plant all winter
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Grey Silver White | Green | ||
| Autumn | White | Brown | ||
| Winter | White | Brown |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Poaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Tufted
- 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
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Mexico to Argentina
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in medium to light, moderately fertile soil in full sun. Divide every few years to maintain vigour. See ornamental grasses cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in spring or by division in late winter or early spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Patio and container plants
- Architectural
- Cottage and informal garden
- Gravel garden
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Cut back all dead leaves and stems in late winter or early spring before new growth begins
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.