Does Stipa gigantea need full sun?
Being a native of Spain, Stipa gigantea is drought resistant and should be grown in full sun. Do not over fertilize it as lushly growing plants have week stems that flop. Gigantea thrives in environments that replicate its native tropical habitat. Key care points for this plant include maintaining moderate to high humidity and providing bright, indirect light. It is essential to avoid water stagnation in the rosette formed by the leaves, as this can lead to rot.
How long does Stipa gigantea take to grow?
Notes: Ideally remove any dead leaves from Stipa gigantea in early spring to tidy up this plant for the new season. It usually takes 1 – 2 years for a young Stipa gigantea to settle down and reach its full size. Space multiple plants about 60-90cm (2-3ft) apart to allow for air circulation and growth. Water well after planting and continue to water regularly until the plant is established (once established, Stipa becomes more drought-tolerant). Cut back in early spring before the new foliage appears.All Stipa are easily propagated by dividing up clumps in spring to create healthy new plants.Stipas need very little maintenance. With deciduous types, which die back over winter, simply cut them to the base in early spring, before new shoots start to sprout. With evergreen stipas, you can pull out any dead leaves in early spring, to keep them looking good.
What are the benefits of growing Stipa gigantea?
Stipa gigantea blooms from late spring to early summer, producing stunning feathery plumes that add a touch of elegance to any garden. This perennial nature allows for consistent flowering, enhancing both the frequency and vigor of blooms year after year. Stipa gigantea is an excellent alternative to pampas grass as a lawn specimen in small gardens, and is perfect for growing in a border or a gravel garden. Grow in moist but well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. To propagate, divide plants from mid-spring to early summer.Also known as Giant Feather Grass or Golden Oats, Stipa gigantea is a truly impressive grass with long arching narrow leaves topped in summer with long, flowy, golden oat-like flower panicles which initially emerge purple before turning golden as the name implies.All the stipas grown here in the garden thrive in full sun and a light, free draining soil. Many also give a long display, standing up well to the winter weather. Stipa barbata (Feather grass)- a wonderful, elegant grass for a dry spot.This semi-evergreen grass typically grows to a height of 60cm (24in) and spreads around 30-45cm (12-18in). Its compact size makes it perfect for sunny gravel gardens, large containers, or mixed perennial borders. Stipa tenuissima plants thrive in well-drained soil and full sun.
Should Stipa gigantea be cut back?
If they are looking tatty or tired they can be cut back hard in spring. Neil points out that the golden oat grass, Stipa gigantea, is an evergreen but will require last season’s flower stems removing at the end of winter to make way for the new. These ornamental grasses are Evergreen but send up the new seasons flower spikes relatively early in spring. Cut the old flower spikes off as low as possible before the new spikes begin to appear each year, around later February to end of March. If needed comb or rake off any old, tired or dead leaves at the same time.