Stipa calamagrostis
Silver spike grass, Silver spear grass
Also known as Achnatherum calamagrostis, Stipa lagascae, Stipa lasiagrostis, Stipa splendens, Calamagrostis argentea, Calamagrostis splendens
- Height × spread
- 0.9m × 0.9m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Average winter to - 10C (RHS H4)
- Flowers
- Summer, Autumn
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This lush grass has fine leaves and slender green flower heads that turn golden-brown for autumn. They are frothy and rippling and everything that is wonderful. It flops about a bit, of course, but who cares? In the wild it is found in mountain regions and has a long season of interest, from early summer into autumn. It is good for cutting and can be used both fresh and dried.
- Flower colour
- Green
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Autumn foliage
- Gold-brown
- Fruit colour
- Orange
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Fan
- Height
- 0.9m
- Spread
- 0.9m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
- Flowers in
- Summer, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Winter garden, Prairie garden, Gravel garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- All types
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil, Dry soil, Drought resistant
- Hardiness
- Average winter to - 10C (RHS H4)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Bird attraction
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water during drought
After three or four weeks without rain, except for drought tolerant plants, those in the ground often get stressed. Adopt the habit of deep-watering one section of the garden each day. Check plants in pots more frequently, especially in hot weather.
Encourage plants to develop good root systems by giving occasional deep watering. Some plants, such as conifers and heathers, do not show much sign of distress so water these if in doubt.
Found in
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