Stipa arundinacea (syn. Anemanthele lessoniana and also called Pheasant's tail grass)
Stipa
arundinacea
Arching domed clumps with long inflorescences; evergreen. The stems start brownish green and turn brighter shades of orange, yellow and red in late summer and autumn, providing colour when many other plants have died back. The seed heads provide a useful food source for finches and other seed eating birds.
All year but most colourful in summer.
Gold, red-brown and green foliage. H: 1.3m S: 1m after 4 years.
Leaves narrow flat or in-rolled.
Long purple-green inflorescences from mid summer to early autumn. Panicles lax and open.
Empty seed heads become wispy and slightly curled.
Full sun/partial shade.
Moist well drained. Tolerates heavy soils.
Half hardy, may need winter protection.
Dig up and dispose of plant after about 4 years. Clean away old growth each year, using gloved fingers or a small hand fork..
Spreads by seed or divide plant in late spring/early summer.
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