Stipa Tenuissima Feather Grass

Ornamental grass Stipa Tenuissima is a compact perennial grass commonly known as Feather Grass. It has erect, narrow bright green soft leaves ageing to a buff colour throughout the summer. During the summer months, it produces feather-type attractive seed heads (hence the name Feather Grass) above the foliage. Feather Grass remains ornamental until late autumn.
Although it is not fussy when it comes to planting location, Stipa Tenuissima needs to be planted in full sun in order to thrive. This deciduous ornamental grass prefers moderately fertile soil and performs well even on more challenging soils, such as chalk and clay.
Considered generally pest and disease free and with a moderate growth rate, Feather Grass is quite easy to care for. Aside from cutting back dead foliage in the early spring, there is not much else you need to do to keep this ornamental grass in great shape.

Stipa Tenuissima grasses can be propagated by dividing plants in the spring, likes a sunny position and grows to circa 2 feet tall.
An American native, Stipa Tenuissima performs best in milder climates. Fully hardy throughout most of the United Kingdom, this ornamental grass won’t survive in areas where winter temperatures drop below -10 degrees.
Forming a compact, tufted mound, this eye-catching ornamental grass can be used as a ground cover plant, to accentuate flower beds and borders, or for edging walkways. The translucent-like quality of the foliage and the unique texture this cultivar adds to the garden are best appreciated when Stipa Tenuissima is planted en masse. If you decide on combining Feather grass with other ornamental grasses, choose a complementing, sun-loving variety such as Imperata Red Baron Japanese Blood Grass or Calamagrostis X Acutiflora Karl Foerster. As this cultivar is drought tolerant, it is an excellent candidate for rock gardens as well.
For more plants that offer architectural value and beautiful texture, make sure to take a look at our selection of ornamental grasses. If you’re looking for plants to fill a sunny spot in your garden, check out our collection of plants that thrive in full sun.