Plant pick: giant feather grass

Published 4:51 pm Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Stipa gigantea, also known as giant feather grass, will add drama to any garden, especially in fall. That’s when its statuesque form catches late-day autumn light best. In early summer, tufts of 18-inch-tall foliage explode with stalks that eventually grow up to 8 feet tall. Each tuft holds large, teardrop-shaped seeds that dry to a honey-gold color. Because it is native to Spain, it is drought resistant after established. Grow it in full sun in soil with excellent drainage. Though the foliage is evergreen, cut this durable plant back in late winter for a tidy appearance. Use a modest amount of fertilizer; too much can cause overly lush stems to flop. This clump-forming grass can grow up to 4 feet wide.

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