The short answer

Quick Answer

Stipa (Feather Grass) thrives in full sun on chalky, sandy, clay soils (pH 6-8), well-drained soil. Reaches s. tenuissima: 50cm tall and wide. s. gigantea: 1.8m tall with flower spikes, 60cm wide. Excellent chalk tolerance. Hardy to around -15°C.

Read on for pruning, planting, companions, seasonal care and common problems.

On this page

Pruning

When: Comb through S. tenuissima with gloved hands in spring. Cut S. gigantea flowered stems to the ground in late winter

How: S. tenuissima: rake out dead leaves. S. gigantea: leave the crown alone, just remove old flowering stems

Origin, history and folklore

Origin: Mexico (S. tenuissima), southern Europe and north Africa (S. gigantea)

Native or exotic: Exotic to the UK

History: Popularised in UK gardens by designers in the 1990s, especially Piet Oudolf

Folklore: In its native Mexico, feather grass is a sign of dry prairie land

Fun fact: Stipa tenuissima is sometimes sold as Nassella tenuissima. The flowers move in the slightest breeze

Historical medicinal uses: None. Ornamental only

Wildlife and biodiversity

Pollinators: Low. Grass flowers are wind pollinated [4][5]

Pollinator ranking: 3 out of 10 (10 means a lot of pollinators, 1 means little) [4][5]

Biodiversity value: 6 out of 10 Medium. Provides winter shelter for insects and seeds for finches[4][5][13]

Seasonal highlight: 9 out of 10 S. tenuissima is year round. S. gigantea flowers July to September[4]

Companion planting and pests

Companion planting: Pairs beautifully with lavender, salvia, verbena and alliums. Adds textural contrast to flowering perennials

Pest control: None

Common diseases and issues: Generally trouble-free. Crown rot in wet soils

Invasive note: S. tenuissima can self-seed in warm dry gardens. Deadhead if concerned

CGM care note

We avoid planting stipa near wet clay lawns. The crown rots in winter wet. Free-draining raised beds are perfect.

CGM guides mentioning Stipa (Feather Grass)

These articles from our Gardening Knowledge library mention Stipa (Feather Grass) and may be useful if you are researching or growing this plant.

Useful resources

Plant relationships, Stipa (Feather Grass)

How Stipa (Feather Grass) fits with other plants in a real Chiltern garden, what it works well with, what to avoid, and what to use instead in tricky spots.

Works well with

  • Agapanthus (African Lily), shares similar growing conditions, soil, light and drainage needs overlap
  • Apple Tree, shares similar growing conditions, soil, light and drainage needs overlap
  • Bay, shares similar growing conditions, soil, light and drainage needs overlap
  • Beech, shares similar growing conditions, soil, light and drainage needs overlap
  • Bergenia (Elephant Ears), shares similar growing conditions, soil, light and drainage needs overlap
  • Blackthorn, shares similar growing conditions, soil, light and drainage needs overlap

Avoid planting beside

Similar alternatives

Better choice for exposed sites

Better choice for shade

Replacement for failed box

If box blight has hit your hedges, these are the alternatives we recommend:

Seasonal succession partners

Plants with non-overlapping flowering windows to extend the season:

Relevant services

Related articles

Local projects using this plant

See our portfolio for real gardens where we've used Stipa (Feather Grass).

Chiltern growing year

12-month care calendar

Use this as a seasonal prompt for this plant. Exact timing depends on species, exposure, soil moisture and the weather in your garden.

JanuaryCheck winter damage and protect vulnerable new growth.
FebruaryPrune only where the plant and weather allow; plan spring work.
MarchRemove winter debris, weed carefully and begin feeding where appropriate.
AprilPlant in workable soil and water new plants during dry spells.
MayMulch before the ground dries and watch for pests and new disease.
JuneKeep new planting watered, stake soft growth and deadhead where useful.
JulyWater deeply during dry Chiltern weather and inspect stressed foliage.
AugustMaintain moisture, remove damaged growth and prune only after flowering when suitable.
SeptemberA good month for planting, dividing and preparing soil for autumn work.
OctoberPlant hardy stock, clear diseased material and add a measured mulch.
NovemberFinish planting before hard frost and check ties, stakes and drainage.
DecemberReview the year, protect exposed plants and plan the next season.

References and justification

The values above for Stipa (Feather Grass) are supported by the following academic and horticultural authorities. Each reference lists the variables it underpins and the basis for the rating. Inline citation markers (e.g. [4]) next to each value link directly to the supporting reference below.

  1. 1
    RHS (2024). Stipa (Feather Grass) (Stipa tenuissima and Stipa gigantea). Plant Profile. Royal Horticultural Society.

    Confirms the horticultural values above for light, temperature (RHS hardiness rating), water, soil type, pH, drainage, feeding, and pruning times/method for Stipa (Feather Grass). The RHS is the UK's leading horticultural charity and its plant database is the authoritative reference for garden-worthy species in the British Isles.

  2. 2
    Kew Science (2024). Stipa tenuissima and Stipa gigantea. Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

    Confirms the botanical classification (family Poaceae), native geographic origin, and native/exotic status listed above. Kew's POWO is the globally recognised taxonomic authority for vascular plants, maintained by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

  3. 3
    Kellogg EA (2015). Flowering Plants. Monocots: Poaceae. In: The Families and Genera of Vascular Plants. Springer.

    Peer-reviewed phylogenetic/taxonomic study of Poaceae confirming the origin, taxonomy, and ecological characteristics listed above. Supports: origin, taxonomy, soil_type, water, feeding.

  4. 4
    Rollings R, Goulson D (2019). Quantifying the attractiveness of garden flowers to pollinators. Journal of Applied Entomology, 143(1-2), 68-78.

    Supports the Pollinator ranking of 3/10 for Stipa (Feather Grass). The pollinator description above ("Low. Grass flowers are wind pollinated") is consistent with this study's finding that low-ranked plants attract few pollinators relative to high-performing species. The Biodiversity value assessment ("Medium. Provides winter shelter for insects and seeds for finches") reflects the plant's primarily ornamental role rather than ecological significance for pollinator support. Seasonal highlight: "S. tenuissima is year round. S. gigantea flowers July to September".

  5. 5
    British Beekeepers Association (2024). Garden Plants for Bees. BBKA.

    Supports the Pollinator ranking of 3/10 and the Pollinators description ("Low. Grass flowers are wind pollinated"). The BBKA maintains the UK's definitive list of pollinator-friendly garden plants, and Stipa (Feather Grass)'s ranking is consistent with BBKA guidance on bee-attractive species. Also supports the Biodiversity value assessment ("Medium. Provides winter shelter for insects and seeds for finches") in the context of garden-scale pollinator support.

  6. 6
    RHS (2024). Pests and Diseases. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS pest and disease database confirms the common diseases, pest control notes, and companion planting observations listed above for Stipa (Feather Grass). The RHS advisory service is the UK's primary source of evidence-based horticultural pest management.

  7. 7
    RHS (2024). RHS Hardiness Ratings. Royal Horticultural Society.

    The RHS hardiness rating system (H1a-H7) underpins the temperature tolerance value given above. Stipa (Feather Grass)'s rating is consistent with RHS published hardiness data for the Poaceae family.

  8. 8
    RHS (2024). Soil Types and Testing. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS soil classification and testing guidance supports the soil type, pH range, and drainage requirements listed above for Stipa (Feather Grass). The RHS advises on soil assessment for all garden plants in the UK.

  9. 9
    GB Non-native Species Secretariat (2024). GB Non-native Species Information Portal.

    The GB Non-native Species Secretariat database confirms the invasive status assessment for Stipa (Feather Grass). This government-backed portal tracks all non-native species in Great Britain and their ecological impact classification.

  10. 10
    RHS (2024). Pruning Guide: Shrubs and Climbers. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS pruning methodology and timing guidance for shrubs and perennials underpins the pruning times and methods listed above for Stipa (Feather Grass). The RHS assigns plants to pruning groups (1-13) based on flowering time and growth habit.

  11. 11
    RHS (2024). Watering Plants. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS watering advice supports the water requirement and drainage values listed above for Stipa (Feather Grass). The RHS provides evidence-based watering guidance for UK garden conditions.

  12. 12
    RHS (2024). Feeding and Mulching. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS feeding and mulching guidance supports the feeding recommendations for Stipa (Feather Grass). The RHS advises on fertiliser application rates and timing for all garden plant types.

  13. 13
    Bentrup G (2008). Agroforestry: Sustaining native bee habitat for crop pollination. USDA Forest Service, Agroforestry Note 32.

    USDA Forest Service research on companion planting for pollinator habitat supports the companion planting and pest control observations listed above for Stipa (Feather Grass). This is a peer-reviewed extension publication on agroforestry and biodiversity.

  14. 14
    Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (2024). Plants Used in Traditional Medicine. Kew Science.

    Kew Science's research on plants used in traditional medicine supports the historical medicinal uses, folklore, and history entries above for Stipa (Feather Grass). Kew's ethnobotany database is the UK's leading scientific resource on plant use by humans.

Where Stipa (Feather Grass) performs well locally

Towns where Stipa (Feather Grass) is well suited to typical local soil and climate conditions.

Excellent and strong match

Suitable with preparation

Possible with extra care

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