Stipa gigantea
grass RHS Award

Giant Feather Grass

Stipa gigantea

$18.50
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Real-Time Pricing
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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Grass

Height

84 inches

Width

48 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low

Humidity

Low

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Spain, Portugal, Morocco

Toxicity

Non-toxic to humans and pets

The Story

Plant Bio

Stipa gigantea, or Giant Feather Grass, is a large, clump-forming, evergreen or semi-evergreen ornamental grass. It forms a mound of narrow, arching, grey-green leaves from which tall, airy flower panicles rise. Known for its striking tall stature and graceful flowers that shimmer in the wind.

Bloom Period:

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesTall, feathery plumes add movement and texture to gardens, especially in drought-tolerant landscapes.
Practical UsesLow-maintenance grass suitable for erosion control and naturalistic plantings.
Ecological BenefitsProvides habitat for native insects and birds, supporting local biodiversity.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Dancing Oaks
Ships Year Round
<1 Gal Pot
In Stock$18.50

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Select a sunny location with well-draining soil.
  2. Tuck seeds or divisions into soil, spacing 12 inches apart.
  3. Mist cuttings lightly to maintain humidity during rooting.
  4. Water regularly until established, about 6 weeks.
  5. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
  6. Fertilize with a low-nitrogen fertilizer in early spring.

Pro Tip

Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot and promote healthy growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water deeply during dry spells 🌱
  • Prune dead or damaged foliage in late winter
  • Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring

Don't

  • Avoid overwatering to prevent fungal issues ❌
  • Do not disturb roots during flowering
  • Refrain from using heavy soil that retains water

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Divide
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Silver‑foliaged borderDrought‑tolerant prairie plantingVertical accent in wild gardens

Companion Plants

Echinacea Lavender Russian sage Blue fescue Sedum

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Giant Feather Grass questions

What zones can Giant Feather Grass grow in?

Giant Feather Grass is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Giant Feather Grass deer resistant?

Yes — Giant Feather Grass is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Giant Feather Grass bloom?

Giant Feather Grass typically blooms in summer through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Giant Feather Grass need full sun?

Giant Feather Grass does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Giant Feather Grass drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Giant Feather Grass handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.

Keep exploring

Grow Giant Feather Grass with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.

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