27.06.2023 - 08:41 / aberdeengardening.co.uk
Stipa Arundinacea This evergreen ornamental grass is referred to as being frost hardy, an indication that it may not survive in the North East of Scotland.
Well think again, here is Stipa Arundinacea above in our Aberdeen garden in early Summer after coming through the Winter unscathed. I have to say the Winter had been a lot milder than the previous two very severe ones.
The arching effect is very attractive and I will be very disappointed if it gives up the ghost in this coming Winter.
Stipa Arundinacea is also known as the Pheasants tail grass, reason for this may be apparent in my other pictures. The label on the plants which we purchased named it as Stipa Arundnacea, however it seems that this ornamental grass also goes under the name, Anemanthele Lessonniana, so take your pick.
In Spring and Summer the arching leaves are a dark green and small insignificant flowers of a purple shade are produced in August. We planted these grasses in a West facing border. The two pictures below give a good example of the growth, first photo taken in July, the second in August, see how the growth has competely hidden the water feature in a four week period.
By the time early Autumn arrives the flowering stems and seed heads have turned orangey brown completely hiding the green foliage which still persists under this frothy mass.
October arrived and the grasses had completely hidden two Flower Carpet Roses which we had planted in the Spring.
Hardiness – Frost hardy
Position – Full sun/partial shade
Soil – Medium to light, must be free draining
*** Stipa arundinacea ***
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I will take this opportunity to highlight some other grasses in our garden, some planted directly in the borders