How to grow Stipa
A large group of grasses which are available both as evergreen and herbaceous types in broad ranging sizes to suit almost any situation. Fantastic perennials which add a misty haze to a border with fluffy flowerheads in summer and then lend architectural interest and upright movement throughout the remainder of the year. Plant form clumps of arching, slender foliage which will gently sway and add rustling, gentle sound to the garden.
Many are drought tolerant once established and like a spot in full sun with a light, freely draining soil which is not too fertile. Native to North and South Americas, these are easy going plants which need little maintenance – simply cut back herbaceous varieties in early spring before they begin to re-shoot and ‘comb’ through evergreens with your hands to remove and faded growth at the time of year.
One of the best grasses for a prairie-style garden and perfect for bringing slender, upright forms to a mixed border, rockery or container. Two of the varieties we sell perfectly exemplify the broad range of sizes available: gigantea (H: 2m) and tenuissima ‘Ponytails’ (H: 60cm).
Zantedeschia is a genus of flowering plants from the family Araceae and is native to southern Africa. With a rich history dating back to the Ancient Romans, these deciduous or semi-evergreen perennials have been used as a symbol of celebration. Zantedeschia was Named after Professor Giovanni Zantedeschia, an Italian botanist.
There are two main forms of Zantedeschia: hardy and tender. Hardy forms of the plant can be grown outdoors, enjoy moist soil and full sun or partially shaded conditions - these are known as Arum lilies. Tender forms of Zantedeschia prefer being grown in containers or pots and should be brought inside over the winter - these are known as Calla lilies.
With tuberous flora in all colours from whites, yellows and oranges to deep reds and purples, Zantedeschias are not to be overlooked in any garden, as long as they have sufficient sunlight to grow in.
Ready to learn more about growing Zantedeschia? Read on for all there is to know...
Key Information
Soil pH
Position
Hardiness
Where & when to plant Stipa
Position - Full sun of any aspect except north facing
Soil - Happy in well-drained soil of any kind
Flowering Period - June to August
Hardiness - A hardy (H4), clump-forming grass
Ideal for planting in the ground where temperatures are unlikely to drop below -5 to -10°C. If you garden where this is not guaranteed you can still plant Stipa though they may be best in containers which can be brought indoors when weather becomes exceptionally cold. It is important to plant Stipa at a time when they are most likely to settle in well – this is autumn as it comes from a cool climate. (As a rule of thumb, grasses from warmer climes are best planted in late spring.) The next thing to bear in mind is that Stipa like an open, sunny position which benefits from light, moist yet freely draining soil which is not too fertile. As said, plants will also thrive in containers; just make sure you choose one of a suitable size for your plant! Also ensure your container has drainage holes in the bottom so your Stipa does not become waterlogged.
How to plant Stipa
For planting in containers, first choose an appropriately sized pot and ensure that you do not swamp your plant by choosing too large a container.
- If you are using a large or heavy pot, it can be a good idea to fill and plant it in situ to save yourself the trouble of moving once full.
- Use a good quality free draining compost, and, if not already present in the compost (check the description on the bag) some suitable slow-release fertiliser granules.
- Start by partially filling the pot with compost; enough so that when placed on it the upper surface of the root ball is about 3cm lower than the top of the pot.
- Infill all the space surrounding the root ball with compost, firming down with your fingers then adding a little more so the plant is held tight.
- Pick up the container and lightly tap on the potting bench or ground a few times to help further settle the compost around the plant.
- Water well to both settle the soil and give the plant a good drink.
- A mulch with horticultural grit will look attractive and help to prevent a ‘cap’ or crust forming on the top of the compost (something container plants can suffer due to the artificial nature of their watering).
For planting in the garden, ensure you choose a spot with appropriate levels of sun
- dig the soil area removing any large stones and weeds and breaking up any lumps. Mix some organic matter into the soil. If your soil is heavy clay, now is also the time to add a generous helping of horticultural grit to adjust the drainage accordingly.
- Rake level and firm with your heels. Rake level again.
- Water plants well and allow to drain before planting. A good tip is to dig a hole twice the size of the root-ball.
- Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball sits level with the surface of the soil. Too low and the plant may rot, too high and the roots can dry out.
- Backfill with soil and firm in gently with your foot.
- Soak well with water to settle the surrounding ground.
What to plant with Stipa
These grasses are beautiful in their own right and ideal for locating anywhere in the garden which offers the necessary protection and allows you to make the most of the beautiful foliage and flowers. They combine well with other grasses and perfectly compliment hot colours in prairie garden as well as cooler colours in containers or a sunny border.
How to care for Stipa
Pruning
Evergreen grasses need very different care to deciduous ones. Both should be left in place over winter with the wind damaged old growth of deciduous varieties best cut off close to the ground in early spring before the new growth starts to shoot. Evergreen varieties can also be neatened up in spring with any dead or damaged foliage best removed by combing through the fronds with your fingers, leaving only the healthy growth behind.
Watering
Water your new plant regularly for the first two years. Once established, it should cope well without extra watering, except in particularly hot, dry spells. Bear in mind these plants are drought tolerant once they have established a good root structure and dislike being waterlogged.
Feeding
Once established in the ground a single application of fertiliser each spring should be sufficient. Plants grown in containers need a little more attention as they do not have such ready access to nutrients – feed with a general purpose liquid fertiliser through the growing season which is March to October.
Pests and Diseases
Stipa generally suffer from few problems if planted in an appropriate position. However, they may occasionally have difficulties with:
Rust: a fungal disease which appears as rusty-coloured patches on the leaves. It can be largely avoided by dividing overcrowded clumps and allowing better air circulation around plants.
Lack of flowers: usually caused by insufficient light. Resolve by reducing the shade from neighbouring shrubs or move the grass to a more open position. Overfeeding can also promote leaves at the expense of flowers
Rabbits and voles will sometimes eat these grasses though your plant should recover if not eaten in its entirety.
How to propagate Stipa
This can be done by sowing from seed or by division.
Sowing from seed:
- Cut well-developed flowerheads just before the seeds are fully ripe.
- Put the whole seedhead in a large paper bag, bring indoors and allow the seeds to ripen naturally.
- Sow the seeds in autumn at a temperature of 10°C or store them cool and dry over winter and sow in spring.
Propagating by division:
- The best time for this task is late winter or early spring just as plants are beginning to resprout after a dormant period during colder weather.
- Simply dig up and lift a large clump and divide it into several smaller sections.
- Replant these smaller sections either into pots for transplanting once established or directly into open ground.
- Water well and ensure soil remains moist whilst these divisions establish themselves.
*Many plants carry Plant Breeders Rights and cannot be propagated for commercial purposes.
Common Stipa questions
How fast does Stipa grow?
This is dependent upon the mature size of each variety. Stipa gigantea will put on more growth in a month as it needs to reach an ultimate height of over 2 metres yet will establish roots first in order to sustain the top growth. Stipa tenuissima ‘Ponytails’ matures to 60cm so will not put on so much growth and will reach its mature height quicker. All Stipa are vigorous if given full sun and free draining soil.
Is Stipa hardy?
Generally hardy in the southern part of the UK whilst plants may need protection further north. Do, however, check guidelines for each variety to be sure.
Can Stipa grow in shade?
Ideally positioned in full sun and free draining soil. If you are looking for a grass to grow in a shady spot then Fescues, Hakonechloa or Imperata may suit your needs better.
