Stipa pulcherrima
golden feather grass
S. pulcherrima is a 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
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 | Green | ||
| Autumn | Grey Silver | |||
| Winter |
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
- 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
- Europe
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
- Architectural
- Cottage and informal garden
- Gravel garden
- City and courtyard gardens
- 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
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