Stipa
( STEE - puh )
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At-A-Glance InformationFeather Grass is a genus of perennial grasses that needs full sun and regular water to perform well in the landscape. Species are native to temperate and subtropical regions around the globe and form clumps of upright pendulous foliage. Large inflorescences are present above the foliage clumps in spring through late summertime. Use these grasses in mixed beds and borders to add movement and height, in mass plantings or as a groundcover on sloped areas of the garden, or in containers. They can also be grown as members of cut flower gardens. Take care when planting these grasses in the landscape, as their sharp seed awns can pierce skin and clothing, embed in fur, or lodge in the eyes, ears, nose, or mouth of humans and pets, requiring professional removal.
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Stipa Species and Varietals
The genus Stipa is a member of the plant family Poaceae and includes 140 species. The plants in this genus are related to those in Nassella (Needle Grass) and Anemanthele (New Zealand Wind Grass). The best growing zones for Stipa vary depending on the species. For more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
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Stipa gigantea (Celtica gigantea) (Giant Feather Grass, Golden Oats, Giant Oat Grass, Spanish Oats, Giant Needle Grass, Barceo, Barcego, Berceo, Baracejo, Bracejo, Garacejo, Aveia-de-Ouro, Aveia-Dourada) Best in USDA hardiness zones 5-10 or Sunset growing zones 4-9 and 14-24, this species is native to Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. Evergreen leaves form a clump 2-3 feet high and a little wider. Yellow-golden flowers bloom in summertime, held foot above the foliage clump. Needs little to moderate water. |
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Stipa lessingiana (Lessing Feather Grass, Needle Grass, Kılçık, Steppe Grass, Bozkır çimi, Kovyl Lessinga, Ковыль Лессинга, Kovylok, ковылок, ) This species is native to Turkey, the Caucasus, Siberia and China, and grows well in USDA hardiness zones 6-10 or Sunset growing zones 1-24. It forms a clump of bright green foliage 18-30 inches tall and 20 inches wide. Cream colored flowers bloom in summertime, and last through fall into wintertime. This species can take heat and drought well, but is best with moderate amounts of water. |
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Stipa ramosissima (Austrostipa ramosissima) (Pillar of Smoke, Stout Bamboo Grass, Australian Plume Grass, Bamboo Spear Grass) This species is native to Australia and grows well in USDA hardiness zones 8b-11 or Sunset growing zones 14-24 and reaches up to 6 to 7 feet tall and 3 feet wide at maturity. Foliage is evergreen and almost continuous flowering makes the plant look like a pillar of smoke (hence the common name). |
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Stipa tenuissima (Nasselia tenuissima) (Mexican Feather Grass, Ponytail Grass, Silky Thread Grass, Mexican Wiregrass, Finestem Needlegrass, Texas Tussock, Angel Hair, Argentine Needle Grass, Pasto Pluma, Pasto Mexicano, Hierba Cola de Pony, Hierba Pluma Mexicana, Estipa de México) This species does well in USDA hardiness zones 7-10 or Sunset growing zones 2b-24 and is native to two regions: one from Texas and New Mexico in the United States down through central Mexico and the other spanning Argentina and Chile. It is a very billowy ornamental grass with bright green leaves and silvery-green flower heads that are especially airy. Flowers age to a light straw color. Evergreen where summers are cool. Gets by with little to regular water, and can self-sow. |
Caring for Stipa
Take care when planting these grasses in the landscape, as their sharp seed awns can pierce skin and clothing, embed in fur, or lodge in the eyes, ears, nose, or mouth of humans and pets, requiring professional removal. Install grasses 36 inches apart for best coverage and airflow; if planting as a dense mass-planting (good for hillsides), space between 18 and 24 inches apart. Plant them in full sun; ideally, they like to receive between 6 and 8 hours of direct sun each day for best growth rate and color. Ensure that soil is well-draining, rich in nutrients, and has a pH of between 5.0 and 8.4 (acidic to alkaline). If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. Apply a layer of mulch around the planting area to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system in their new home. At maturity, these grasses are considered drought-tolerant, and can get by on little to no supplemental water, especially when grown in shade. Avoid overhead watering; water deeply but infrequently.
Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. These grasses are not heavy feeders, and this should be sufficient to provide the necessary nutrients for the active growing and flowering seasons. Pruning is simple; remove any damaged, diseased, or dead foliage at any time during the growing season. In early springtime, cut the foliage down to just 3-6 inches to encourage healthy new growth. Stipa is a perennial grass that can survive decades in the landscape in optimal conditions.
Caring for Stipa in Containers
Stipa does well in the ground but can also be grown in containers, providing lush foliage and winter interest to balconies and patios. Choose a container that is at least a few inches wider and deeper than the nursery pot or root ball. Ensure that the pot has adequate drainage holes on the bottom to allow for excess water to flow away. Fill with a well-draining potting mix amended with organic material and perlite, and top with a layer of mulch to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water regularly as the plant establishes itself in its new home. Once established, waterings can be lessened. These grasses, when grown in containers, will need more frequent irrigation than those grown in the ground. As a general rule of thumb, water whenever the top few inches of soil feels dry to the touch. Prune to remove dead, damaged, or diseased foliage at any time during the growing season and cut the entire plant back to 3-6 inches in late winter or early spring. Every few years, check the bottom of the pot to ensure that the plant is not outgrowing its root space. If roots are growing through the drainage holes in the bottom of the container, it is a good indication that it needs to be potted up; choose a slightly larger container and repot. Stipa will also need to be divided every few years; for instructions on how to divide these grasses, see the Propagation section below.
Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. These grasses are not heavy feeders, and this should be sufficient to provide the necessary nutrients for the active growing and flowering seasons. Pruning is simple; remove any damaged, diseased, or dead foliage at any time during the growing season. In early springtime, cut the foliage down to just 3-6 inches to encourage healthy new growth. Stipa is a perennial grass that can survive decades in the landscape in optimal conditions.
Caring for Stipa in Containers
Stipa does well in the ground but can also be grown in containers, providing lush foliage and winter interest to balconies and patios. Choose a container that is at least a few inches wider and deeper than the nursery pot or root ball. Ensure that the pot has adequate drainage holes on the bottom to allow for excess water to flow away. Fill with a well-draining potting mix amended with organic material and perlite, and top with a layer of mulch to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water regularly as the plant establishes itself in its new home. Once established, waterings can be lessened. These grasses, when grown in containers, will need more frequent irrigation than those grown in the ground. As a general rule of thumb, water whenever the top few inches of soil feels dry to the touch. Prune to remove dead, damaged, or diseased foliage at any time during the growing season and cut the entire plant back to 3-6 inches in late winter or early spring. Every few years, check the bottom of the pot to ensure that the plant is not outgrowing its root space. If roots are growing through the drainage holes in the bottom of the container, it is a good indication that it needs to be potted up; choose a slightly larger container and repot. Stipa will also need to be divided every few years; for instructions on how to divide these grasses, see the Propagation section below.
Propagation
The best way to propagate these grasses is though division of existing plants. To propagate your Stipa grasses, follow the instructions below:
Propagating Stipa by Division
This type of propagation is relatively simple; you will need a clean shovel, mulch, fresh soil, compost and pots (only necessary if you will be saving divided plants for transporting elsewhere). Division is best done in early spring or fall. To propagate by division, follow these steps:
Propagating Stipa by Division
This type of propagation is relatively simple; you will need a clean shovel, mulch, fresh soil, compost and pots (only necessary if you will be saving divided plants for transporting elsewhere). Division is best done in early spring or fall. To propagate by division, follow these steps:
- Using a shovel, dig up your existing plant. Start from the outside and work your way in to avoid damaging the root(s). Once you have worked it up out of the ground, lay it out.
- Separate the removed patch of grass into sections using a sharp, clean knife or trowel. Ensure that each division has a healthy root system and a few shoots. Any dried out areas with dead roots can be tossed in the compost.
- Prepare your pot(s) or new planting site(s) with well-draining soil and compost and work it in. Water thoroughly, and then plant divisions.
- Keep soil consistently moist as the newly-planted divisions establish strong root systems in their new home. Provide regular waterings, especially during dry spells.
Problems and Pests
Stipa grasses, although generally resilient, can be susceptible to developing issues with the following pests and diseases in the landscape:
- Aphids
- Rust Mites
- Slugs & Snails
- Mammals (Rabbits & Voles)
- Root Rot
- Rust
- Smut
Gallery
Videos
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 614, Stipa
