Stipa papposa

RHS Plant Profile
downy stipa
Grass Like

A species of perennial, clump-forming grass to around 70cm in height, with arching green foliage producing oat-like fluffy white flowers in summer and autumn. Although considered invasive in the Mediterranean, it isn't considered so within the UK and makes a useful ornamental grass

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Poaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming, 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
Unresolved

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, medium to light well-drained soil in full sun. Good in gravel gardens as considered drought-resistant. See ornamental grasses cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed after flowering and may also self-seed, or propagate by division from mid-spring to early summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Architectural
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Prairie planting
  • Rock garden
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Comb out dead and winter-damaged leaves in early spring

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free