STIPA tenuissima
Small
Sun
Green
Well drained soil
Multiple
RHS Award of Garden Merit
100% Peat Free
Description
Stipa tenuissima
Height x Spread: 30cm x 30cm
Commonly known as 'Mexican Feather Grass', this tidy but compact form, produces a dense fountain of very narrow leaves and stems, with arching, feathery, initially pale green flowers, that gently fade to buff. To see the flowerheads of this versatile grass billowing in the breeze is quite a sight, like horses tossing their manes.
Soothing to touch, it looks amazing grown in large drifts, mixed with perennials like Achillea, Heleniums and Aster, highlighting their distinct forms. Its architectural style suits both urban and courtyard spaces, plus more informal gardens. Being tolerant of dry soil, it is also a great choice for a gravel garden. Remove faded foliage and stems in spring before new foliage emerges using a dog comb. It thrives in a free draining, fairly fertile soil in full sun.
Available for Mail Order from April - August
This plant is featured within - Rosy's Planting Plan for a Drought Resistant Border
Rosy's Colour Picks
ASTER thomsonii
This is a sturdy, clump-forming plant with grey-green foliage of narrow ovate leaves and, from August to October, many ray florets up to 5cm across.
ANISODONTEA 'El Rayo'
One of those wonderful 'practically all year round' performers for the garden. Most floriferous in autumn and winter, the display of large mid-pink flowers lessens but continues in spring and summer.
ACHILLEA 'Moonshine'
This plant's very soft grey foliage contrasts well with the intense yellow flowers that are produced in early summer.
HELENIUM 'Moerheim Beauty'
'Moerheim Beauty' has gorgeous, dark burgundy coppery-red flowers during midsummer. Erect stems covered in green lance-shaped foliage bear the fancy blooms. This upright perennial is commonly known ..