Buy golden oats Stipa gigantea

Stipa gigantea

golden oats

Arching stems of glistening, golden, oat-like flowerheads above clumps of slender, grey-green leaves.

This majestic semi-evergreen grass is an excellent specimen plant for a sunny, mixed or new perennial border. Perfect for introducing movement, Stipa gigantea looks stunning under-planted with the rich purple flowerheads of Allium hollandicum 'Purple Sensation'.

How to care for Stipa gigantea:

Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball and place the plant at the same depth it was growing in its nursery pot, working in plenty of well-rotted compost into the planting area and backfill.

Space multiple plants about 30cm (12in) apart to allow for air circulation and growth. Water well after planting and continue to water regularly until the plant is established (once established, Stipa becomes more drought-tolerant). Cut back in early spring before the new foliage appears.

Flowering period:

Eventual height:

2.5m

Eventual spread:

1.2m

Position:

Full sun

Rate of growth:

Average

Soil:

Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil

Hardiness:

Fully hardy

This grass is semi-evergreen, so it can lose some of its foliage in winter. In colder regions or more exposed gardens, it may lose it all, but then fresh new growth appears again in spring.