Stipa
The species of this widely distributed genus of cool season grasses are evergreen in milder climates. All are clump forming and most relish well-drained soil and low humidity. Perfect for cut arrangements, the flowers shimmer in morning and end-of-the-day light, and in the breezes of any hour.
Like a fountain, the green, bronze and golden narrow blades are upright and arching. Slightly dry soils will intensify the copper tones of this graceful, clumping evergreen Stipa. While grown mostly for its delightful form and color, the subtle inflorescences appear as a fine mist, tinged with small purple and golden seed capsules known as awns.
Blooms June–September
Size: 2' 0" high x 2' 0" – 3' 0" wide.
Hardy to zone 8.
Each $13.00
Deemed one of the most graceful and floriferous habits amongst the mid-statured grasses, adaptable Silver Spike Grass hails from high-elevation open spaces in central and southern Europe’s mountainous regions. Finely-hewn medium green foliage distinguishes a rounded snug tuff beneath slender curved stems and large, delicate silver-green plumes, later donning warm tawny tones. A wildly elegant AGM recipient, Silver Spike Grass evokes flowing water with its long-lasting, cut-flower-perfect silken panicles plus ultra-posh leaves that remain semievergreen in mild locales. Stipa calamagrostis can be added to sunny water-wise gardens, well-drained mixed borders and meadows, either en masse or as a specimen. It relishes low humidity as well as cool summer nights, detests too much fertility and endures dry, rocky alkaline sites.
Blooms July–September
Size: 3' 0" high x 3' 0" wide.
Hardy to zone 7.
Each $13.00
Native to Africa and southwestern Europe, this magnificent grass hoists 7 ft. tall, bamboo-like jointed stalks crowned with airy 10 in. panicles of oat-like flowers that emerge as purple-on-green, then ripen to pale metallic gold. The unforgettable floral display continues all fall above a dense fluid-looking 2 ft. hummock defined by tidy narrow green blades. Position Giant Feather Grass so it can be backlit, and a stunning effect is yours for the viewing.
Blooms June–November
Size: 6' 0" – 7' 0" high x 4' 0" wide.
Hardy to zone 7.
Each $12.25
From Peru’s grasslands and rocky plains, this evergreen bunching grass rallies both durability and finesse. Ultrathin bright green blades grow in an upright fashion and sport rolled edges coupled with toasty amber fall hues. Swaying just above the fine-cut tuft, a glimmering feather-like array of long, silken silvery-green plumes appears in early summer and later broadcasts golden tones once mature. Undaunted by deer, heat, coastal sites and dry conditions, Peruvian Feather Grass is tailor-made for slopes, erosion control, massed plantings and mixed borders, as well as containers. Sunshine, superb drainage, protection from winter cold plus fertile soil ensure its good fortune.
Blooms July–September
Size: 2' 0" – 3' 0" high x 12" – 2' 0" wide.
Zone 7/8.
Each $13.00
Hailing from Down Under, Australia’s ‘Pillar of Smoke’ explodes with 6 to 8 in. whorl-branched panicles of silky copper-colored flowers that age to a smoky silver. The amazing floral plumes are held on sturdy, jointed stems amidst towering clumps of bright green foliage.
Undaunted by wind, poor soils and some drought, this strong-growing, cool season evergreen is perfect for southern and western gardens, as well as coastal sites.
Blooms February–September
Size: 6' 0" – 7' 0" high x 3' 0" wide.
Hardy to zone 9.
