Stipa gigantea – Majestic Golden Oat Grass for Movement and Elegance

General Information

Native to the western Mediterranean, Stipa gigantea is one of the largest and most ornamental members of the grass family. It thrives in sunny, well-drained conditions and is valued for its longevity and low-maintenance nature.

• Habit: Clump-forming, evergreen to semi-evergreen perennial grass with arching flower stems.

• Height & spread: Foliage clump reaches 60–90cm tall and wide; flowering stems rise to 1.8–2.5m.

• Foliage: Narrow, grey-green evergreen leaves forming a neat basal mound.

• Flowers: Tall, oat-like golden flower heads that catch the light and move gracefully in the wind.

• Flowering season: June to August, often holding seed heads into winter for extra interest.

• Position: Prefers full sun for best growth and flowering.

• Soil: Well-drained soil; tolerates poor, dry, or sandy ground but dislikes heavy, waterlogged soils.

• Hardiness: Fully hardy across the UK and Ireland.

• Uses: Excellent for prairie-style planting, mixed borders, gravel gardens, or as a striking specimen plant.

Its tall golden plumes provide a dramatic vertical accent, while the evergreen clump keeps structure and interest throughout the year.

Care Guide

Stipa gigantea is remarkably easy to grow and maintain, making it a great choice for gardeners of all skill levels.

Planting

• When to plant: Best in spring or autumn when soil is moist and workable.

• Depth & spacing: Plant at the same depth as in the pot; space 90cm apart to allow the clump to expand.

• Positioning: Choose an open, sunny spot where its tall plumes can catch the light and move in the breeze.

• Companions: Combines beautifully with perennials like echinacea, salvia, verbena, and rudbeckia.

Watering & Feeding

• Water well during the first year after planting to establish roots.

• Once established, drought-tolerant and needs little supplemental water.

• Feeding is rarely necessary, but a light mulch in spring with compost will support healthy growth.

Pruning & Maintenance

• In late winter or early spring, comb through the clump with your hands or shears to remove dead foliage and old flower stems.

• Avoid cutting the plant back hard, as it can damage the evergreen base.

• Divide mature clumps every 5–7 years if they become congested or less vigorous.

Protection

• Fully hardy and tolerates cold, wind, and drought.

• Avoid planting in heavy clay or waterlogged soils, which may damage roots in winter.

• Generally pest- and disease-free, making it a reliable choice.

Why Choose Stipa gigantea?

This ornamental grass offers drama, movement, and ease of care all in one.

• Stunning flower plumes: Tall, golden oat-like heads add elegance and light.

• Architectural structure: Neat evergreen clump with dramatic height.

• Low-maintenance: Drought-tolerant and long-lived once established.

• Wildlife-friendly: Seed heads provide shelter and food for birds and insects.

• Versatile planting: Works in borders, prairie-style gardens, or as a striking stand-alone specimen.

The Stipa gigantea is the perfect choice for gardeners looking to add graceful movement and golden light to their garden. Whether used as a focal point, woven through mixed plantings, or to create naturalistic designs, this majestic grass delivers lasting beauty with minimal effort.

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

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If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.