Very similar to the popular Stipa tenuissima, this hardy grass has wonderful, wispy, pale yellow-green leaves topped with fluffy plumes of silver-green flowers, maturing to blonde-buff. This versatile deciduous grass is ideal for a sunny gravel garden, large container or new perennial border. Stipa lessingiana is perfect for introducing movement into a planting scheme since the fluffy flower heads and foliage billow in the slightest breeze.
How to care for Stipa lessingiana:
Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball and place the plant at the same depth it was growing in its nursery pot, working in plenty of well-rotted compost into the planting area and backfill.
Space multiple plants about 30cm (12in) 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 lessingiana becomes more drought-tolerant). Cut back in early spring before the new foliage appears.
Flowering period:
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Eventual height:
0.6m
Eventual spread:
0.6m
Position:
Full sun
Rate of growth:
Average
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
This grass dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.