Red stipagrass
Nassella trichotoma · Poaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant red stipagrass: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Poaceae (grasses)
- Foliage
- Evergreen, fine and feathery
- Flowering
- June to September
- Mature size
- 0.6 to 1 m in height
- Growth
- Moderate to fast
- Hardiness
- Good (-15 to -20°C depending on conditions)
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Origin
- South America (Argentina, Patagonia)
Care
Exposure
Stipa trichotoma demands full sun exposure to develop harmoniously and produce its beautiful feathery inflorescences. Choose a well-ventilated spot, as ornamental grasses dislike stagnant moisture and appreciate air movement.
Soil and drainage
Plant in well-drained, poor to moderate soil that is relatively dry once established. This South American grass tolerates chalky and rocky soils. Avoid heavy, compacted soils that retain excess water.
Watering
Water regularly during the first year to promote root establishment. Once established, this grass thrives in dry conditions and requires little intervention. Drastically reduce watering in summer, except during prolonged drought.
Fertilizing
No fertilizer is essential if the soil is adequate. A light application of compost in spring is more than sufficient. Overly rich soils can weaken the clump structure.
Pruning and cleanup
Cut the clump to ground level in late winter (February-March) before growth resumes. Remove dried spikes and dead foliage to encourage new growth. Wear gloves: the leaves are sharp and can irritate skin.
Diseases and pests
Very robust, Stipa trichotoma rarely suffers from significant diseases or pests. Root asphyxia from excessive moisture remains the main risk. No specific treatment is normally necessary under favorable conditions.
Did you know?
Stipa trichotoma, native to the Argentine Patagonia, has been favored by Mediterranean landscape designers and dry garden enthusiasts since the 1990s. Its name "trichotoma" refers to its spikes divided into three branches, a distinctive feature that makes it very graceful in the wind. This grass has helped popularize the sustainable Mediterranean garden style, combining ornamental beauty with water efficiency.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Tufted hair grassDeschampsia cespitosa
- Wavy hair-grassAvenella flexuosa
- Purple moor-grassMolinia caerulea
- Reed canary-grassPhalaris arundinacea
- Common quaking grassBriza media
- Creeping soft-grassHolcus mollis
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.