OrganicStipa Elegantissima Ornamental Grass

This organicStipa Elegantissima, also known as tall feather-grass or Austrostipa elegantissima, is a stunning ornamental grass that adds texture, movement and grace to any garden. It has upright clumps of slender, silver-green foliage, topped with feathery flower heads in summer, that sway gently in the slightest breeze. In late summer, the plant turns a beautiful buff colour, creating a striking contrast with other plants.

Features:

Hardy and drought-tolerant
Low maintenance and easy to grow
Provides food and shelter for birds
Adds height and interest to borders and containers
Creates a soft and airy effect in the garden

Flowers:

Stipa Elegantissima produces delicate, fluffy flower heads that emerge from the tips of the stems in summer. The flowers are creamy-white, tinged with pink or purple, and have long, silky awns that catch the light. The flowers last for several weeks, and gradually fade to a golden-brown colour in autumn.

Habit:

Stipa Elegantissima is a perennial grass that forms dense, tufted clumps of narrow, arching leaves. The leaves are about 30 cm long, and have a fine, hair-like texture. The stems are erect, and can reach up to 1 m in height. The plant spreads by short rhizomes, but is not invasive.

Landscaping:

Stipa Elegantissima is a versatile and adaptable plant that can be used in various landscaping situations. It can be planted as a specimen, in groups, or in mixed borders with other perennials, shrubs and annuals. It can also be grown in pots, window boxes or hanging baskets, where it will cascade over the edges. It is an excellent choice for a gravel garden, a naturalistic or prairie border, a coastal garden or a contemporary urban garden. It can also be used as a ground cover, a hedge, or a screen.

How to MaintainStipa Elegantissima

Stipa Elegantissima is a low maintenance plant that requires very little attention. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil, but can tolerate partial shade and dry conditions. It does not need regular watering, fertilising or pruning, except to remove any dead or damaged growth. It is resistant to most pests and diseases, and deer and rabbits tend to avoid it.

Seasonal Interest:

Stipa Elegantissima provides year-round interest in the garden, with its evergreen foliage and changing colours. In spring, the new leaves emerge with a fresh, green hue, and the flower buds start to form. In summer, the flowers open and create a soft and airy display, that moves with the wind. In autumn, the flowers fade and the foliage turns a warm, buff colour, that lasts until winter. In winter, the dried flower heads and stems add structure and texture to the garden, and look especially attractive when covered with frost or snow.

Garden Uses:

Stipa Elegantissima can be used in various ways in the garden, depending on the desired effect. It can be planted as a focal point, to create a dramatic statement, or as a backdrop, to enhance other plants. It can be used to create contrast, harmony or movement, depending on the colour and shape of the plants it is combined with. It can also be used to soften hard edges, fill gaps, or create a sense of depth and dimension. Some of the plants that pair well with Stipa Elegantissima are:

– Lavender, rosemary, salvia and thyme, for a Mediterranean or cottage garden
– Echinacea, rudbeckia, helenium and verbena, for a colourful and vibrant prairie garden look
– Salvia, penstemon, agastache and nepeta, for a bee and butterfly friendlyflower border
– Sedum, sempervivum, eryngium and achillea, for a drought-tolerant and low maintenance garden
– Heuchera, hosta, and ferns, for a shady woodland setting
– Grasses, such as stipa, pennisetum, calamagrostis and miscanthus, for a textural and structural garden

How to Care For Stipa Elegantissima

Stipa Elegantissima is a very easy plant to care for, as it does not need much intervention. Here are some tips on how to keep it healthy and happy:

–Water: Water the plant only when the soil is dry, and avoid overwatering, as this can cause root rot. Water deeply and infrequently, and let the excess water drain out. Reduce watering in winter, when the plant is dormant.

Fertiliser: Fertilise the plant only once a year, in spring, with a balanced, organic fertiliser, such as fish emulsion or seaweed extract. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilisers, as this can cause excessive leaf growth and weak stems.-

Pruning: Prune the plant only when necessary, to remove any dead, damaged or diseased growth. Cut back the stems to about 15 cm above the ground, in late winter or early spring, before the new growth starts. This will encourage fresh and vigorous growth, and prevent the plant from becoming too woody or floppy. You can also comb through the foliage with your fingers, to remove any loose or dead leaves.

Propagation: Propagate the plant by division or by seed. To divide the plant, dig up the clump in spring or autumn, and cut it into smaller sections, each with some roots and shoots. Replant the divisions in well-prepared soil, and water well. To grow the plant from seed, sow the seeds in spring, in a seed tray filled with moist, well-drained soil. Cover the seeds lightly with soil, and keep them in a warm and bright place, until they germinate. Transplant the seedlings into individual pots, when they are large enough to handle, and grow them on until they are ready to be planted out.

Is Stipa Elegantissima Invasive?

Stipa Elegantissima is not invasive in the UK, as it does not spread aggressively or displace native plants. However, it can self-seed freely, and may pop up in unexpected places, such as cracks in paving, pots, or other parts of the garden. This can be prevented by removing the flower heads before they set seed, or by collecting the seeds and sowing them where you want them to grow. Alternatively, you can leave the seeds for the birds to enjoy, or let them germinate and enjoy the surprise of finding new plants in your garden.

Carbon Sequestering Plant

Stipa Elegantissima is a carbon sequestering plant, meaning that it absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and stores it in its biomass. This helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change. Grasses, such as Stipa Elegantissima, are particularly efficient at sequestering carbon, as they have a high photosynthetic rate, a large root system, and a long lifespan. By planting Stipa Elegantissima in your garden, you are not only creating a beautiful and low maintenance landscape, but also contributing to a greener and more sustainable planet.

Benefits for Wildlife

“Similar to numerous ornamental grasses, Stipa Elegantissima plays a crucial role in supporting wildlife. It offers winter sustenance for seed-eating birds and offers a snug refuge for small mammals and insects. Combining it with other grassland plants like yarrow can establish a sanctuary that draws a wide variety of beneficial insects to your garden.”

Safe for Insects

Want tobolster pollinators and insect populations? You can be confident that our Stipa Elegantissima is grown without the use of pesticides or herbicides – there are no harmful chemical residues that could jeopardisethese essential creatures. By choosing this plant, your garden can flourish while providing a secure haven for insects.

Sustainable Ornamental Grasses:

“We are committed to eco-conscious practices. Our plants are either potted in wood fiber containers or grown in wooden troughs, significantly reducing waste (given that approximately half a billion plastic plant pots end up in UK landfills annually). We take great care in their preparation and ensure they are delivered using carbon offset delivery methods to provide a seamless and environmentally responsible experience.”