Also known as Feather Grass · 215 saves
Stipa
Stipa, the genus most gardeners know as feather grass. We track 7 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 7 most-saved Stipa varieties
6 species of Stipa
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Stipa in Sow
Save the Stipa you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Stipa
Whats common across all Stipa varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 7 most-grown of them.
The Stipa year
- DivideMarch and April86% of varieties
Divide clumps in spring if they become overcrowded.
- PruneJanuary and February57% of varieties
Cut back old foliage to a few inches from the ground in late winter.
- Spring CleanupFebruary43% of varieties
Comb through with gloved hands to remove dead leaves; do not cut back.
Do
- Water deeply during dry spells 🌱
- Prune dead or damaged foliage in late winter
- Water sparingly once established 💧
- Fertilize in early spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer
- Mulch to retain soil moisture and prevent weeds
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot ❌
- Don’t fertilize excessively, as it may reduce drought tolerance
- Refrain from disturbing roots during peak growing season
- Don’t prune in late fall, wait until late winter
What goes wrong with Stipa
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue on leaves, distorted growth | Use insecticidal soap or introduce ladybugs |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing, speckled or yellowed foliage | Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap |
| Rust | Orange or brown pustules on leaves | Apply fungicide and improve air circulation |
| Fungal rust | Orange or brown pustules on leaves | Apply organic fungicide and improve air circulation |
| Root rot | Wilting, blackened roots | Reduce watering, improve drainage |
Making more Stipa
Division
- Dig up mature clumps in early spring.
- Divide into smaller sections with roots attached.
- Replant immediately at same depth.
Seed
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring.
- Keep soil consistently moist for 2 weeks.
- Germination occurs in 2-3 weeks.
Stipa questions
How many types of Stipa are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 7 distinct Stipa varieties. The most popular — ranked by 215 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Stipa grow in?
Across its varieties, Stipa covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Stipa bloom?
Most Stipa varieties bloom in early summer, late spring, late spring to early summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Stipa should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.