Stipa

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At-A-Glance Information

Feather Grass is a genus of perennial grasses that needs full sun and regular water. These plants form clumps of foliage and produce large inflorescences that add motion to the plants when they are in bloom. 

Stipa Species and Varietals

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.

Stipa gigantea (Giant Feather Grass)
Best in 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. Yellowish flowers bloom in summertime. Needs little to moderate water.

Stipa lessingiana
This species is native to Turkey, the Caucasus, Siberia and China, and grows well in 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.

Stipa ramosissima (Austrostipa ramosissima) (Pillar of Smoke)
This species is native to Australia and grows well in zones 14-24 and gets to 6-7 feet tall and 3 feet wide. Foliage is evergreen, and almost continuous flowering makes the plant look like a pillar of smoke (hence the common name). 

Stipa tenuissima (Nasselia tenuissima) (Mexican Feather Grass)
Best in zones 2b-24, this species is native to Texas, New Mexico, and Mexico. 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 Festuca

Propagation

Problems and Pests

Gallery

Camellias are great candidates to be grown as container plants on your patio.
A field of thea sinensis
Camellia hiemalis 'Shishi Gashira'

Videos

A video all about growing camellias successfully
Propagating camellias

Resources

The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 614, Stipa
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or photos you’d like to add to the gallery, please let me know by sending me a message using the button below!
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