Giant feather grass (Stipa gigantea) STY-pah jy-GAN-tee-ah Genus:  Stipa This semi-evergreen species makes a stately, stand-alone specimen with narrow, arching foliage and shimmering gold panicles that reach 8 feet tall. The flowers open in June as silvery-purple and mature to shades of wheat. Noteworthy Characteristics:  Stipa are tufted, clump-forming species are native to temperate and warm temperate regions of the world. They are suitable as accents or specimens in grass or rock gardens, and for naturalizing, wild gardens, and erosion control. Their inflorescences may be used for dried flower arrangements.  Care:  Grow in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. Remove the old foliage in early spring. Propagation:  Sow seed in a cold frame in spring; divide from mid-spring to early summer. Problems:  Damping off, rust, smut, brown patch, brown stripe, eye spot.

Overview

Height 6 ft. to 10 ft. Spread 3 ft. to 6 ft. Growth Habit Clumps Growth Pace Moderate Grower Light Full Sun Only Moisture Adaptable Maintenance Low Characteristics Self Seeds, Showy Flowers, Showy Foliage, Showy Seed Heads Bloom Time Summer Flower Color Brown, Purple Foliage Color Evergreen Uses Beds and Borders, Dried Flower, Naturalizing, Specimen Plant/Focal Point Style Meadow Garden, Rock Garden Seasonal Interest Spring Interest Tolerance Deer Tolerant, Drought Tolerant, Frost Tolerant Type Grasses