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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 calamagrostis
Achnatherum calamagrostis
see moreAgrostis calamagrostis
Stipa lasiagrostis
Calamagrostis argentea
Calamagrostis splendens misapplied
Stipa splendens misapplied
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
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
H4
Botanical details
Family
Poaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
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

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