Stipa gigantea (Golden Oats)

Statuesque with tufts of foliage bursting with emerging seed heads in early summer, Stipa gigantea (Golden Oats) is an impressive ornamental grass. Evergreen or semi-evergreen, it forms a dense mound of slender, arching gray-green leaves, up to 18 in. tall (45 cm), from which emerge erect flower spikes rising 4 ft. (120 cm) above the foliage. They bear elegant panicles of silvery spikelets, with long awns and dangling golden anthers which sway gracefully in the slightest breeze and persist well into winter. Spectacular when backlit by the rising or setting sun!

• Excellent choice for adding height and structure to the garden, this architectural grass is perfect for borders where it will easily combine with other plants, along the edge of a path, in prairie plantings or as a striking accent plant. Great for dried floral arrangements too!
• Growing easily in a dense clump about 6 ft. tall (180 cm) and 2-3 ft. across (60-90 cm), it enjoys full sun and moderately fertile, medium moisture, well-drained soils.
• Drought tolerant, it requires very little care, is deer resistant and provides weeks of interest from summer to frost
• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society (1993)
• Cut back in winter for a neat appearance.