Stipa gigantea

Stipa gigantea is a striking evergreen grass, forming a spiky clump of arching deep green foliage from which a huge sheaf of long-stemmed, oat-like flower-heads erupts in mid-summer. When mature, these splay apart to make a wide fountain shape that almost hides the plant. The seedheads dry out naturally on the plant and persist into early winter, where they make a good architectural feature, especially when outlined in frost. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM).

Stipa gigantea is an excellent alternative to pampas grass as a lawn specimen in small gardens, and is perfect for growing in a border or a gravel garden. Grow in moist but well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. To propagate, divide plants from mid-spring to early summer.