A clumping evergreen grass forming a low mound of fine foliage from which tall airy stems carry shimmering golden oat-like flower heads. A see-through feature that catches the light in borders.
At a glance
- Plant type: Ornamental grass
- Mature size: 2 m H × 1 m W
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: very drought tolerant once established
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Giant Feather Grass
Botanically, Stipa gigantea is a moderate-growing ornamental grass in the Poaceae family. It reaches around 2 m tall and 1 m wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. Yellow flowers appear in summer.
Where to grow Giant Feather Grass
Giant Feather Grass suits warm-temperate, cool-temperate and Mediterranean climates and grows best in full sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters. It also is a genuinely water-wise choice.
Soil & planting
Giant Feather Grass does best in sandy and free-draining soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Giant Feather Grass handles dry conditions well once established. Refresh mulch and provide a modest balanced feed at the start of spring. During the first growing season, water deeply whenever the upper soil begins to dry, then reduce the frequency as roots establish.
Pruning & care
Prune Giant Feather Grass after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Giant Feather Grass in the garden
Giant Feather Grass earns its place for a feature or specimen planting and cut flowers for the vase.
Companion planting & design
Combine Giant Feather Grass with plants that share its preference for very drought tolerant and warm-temperate climate. Use an odd-numbered group where space allows, or repeat it at intervals through a longer bed.
Buying Giant Feather Grass
Plant Sale lists Giant Feather Grass as potted plants. Current stock is confirmed manually, so register interest above before planning around a specific size.
