Stipa calamagrostis
rough feather grass
A tufted deciduous perennial with narrow, arching leaves and feathery panicles of pale green spikelets in summer that turn light buff and persist into winter
Synonyms
Lasiagrostis calamagrostisAchnatherum calamagrostis
see moreAgrostis calamagrostis
Stipa lasiagrostis
Calamagrostis argentea
Calamagrostis splendens misapplied
Stipa splendens misapplied
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Green | ||
| Autumn | Brown | Green | ||
| Winter | Brown | Brown |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Poaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- 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
- Europe, Asia, Africa
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in medium to light, moderately fertile soil in full sun. Divide every few years to retain vigour. See ornamental grasses cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in spring or by division in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- 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.