Stipa lessingiana is a beautiful and relatively unusual ornamental feather grass, prized for its fine, elegant foliage and masses of delicate, silvery seedheads. Forming graceful clumps of narrow green leaves, it produces airy, feathery flower plumes during summer that gradually mature to soft golden and straw-coloured tones. The slender stems sway gently in the breeze, bringing movement, softness and a wonderfully natural appearance to the garden.
 
Growing to approximately 60–75cm, Stipa lessingiana is particularly effective in prairie-style planting, gravel gardens and naturalistic borders, where its fine texture contrasts beautifully with flowering perennials. Closely related to Mexican Feather Grass, it has a slightly taller, more upright habit and produces attractive feathery seedheads that remain ornamental as they dry. Once established, this hardy perennial grass is drought tolerant and thrives in sunny positions with free-draining soil.
 
When to Sow: Feb– Jun  & Sep–Oct
 
HOW TO SOW: Sow seeds thinly onto moist, well-drained, soil-based seed compost and cover lightly with fine compost or vermiculite, approximately 2–3mm deep. Place in a bright position at around 15°C, keeping the compost lightly moist but not waterlogged. Germination can be slow and irregular, and some seeds may benefit from a period of cooler temperatures. If little germination occurs after 4–6 weeks, move trays to a sheltered, cool position for several weeks before returning them to approximately 15°C. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant carefully into individual pots or small clumps. Grow on in good light and harden off before planting outdoors in full sun and free-draining soil. 
 
Classification: Hardy Perennial
Expert Level: Requires Experience
Germination Time: Approximately 3–8 weeks, sometimes considerably longer
Flowering Time: Jul–Sep
Site: Full sun
Soil Type: Light, sandy, gritty or loamy soil with excellent drainage
Soil Acidity: Neutral to alkaline; tolerates a range of soil conditions
Moisture: Low to moderate; drought tolerant once established and dislikes prolonged winter wet
 
Care: Water regularly while establishing, then reduce watering once plants are settled. Avoid heavy feeding and excessively rich soil. In late winter or early spring, remove dead foliage and spent stems, taking care not to damage emerging growth. Divide established clumps if they become congested. Ensure good drainage, particularly during winter
Use: Prairie-style gardens, gravel gardens, naturalistic borders, meadow planting, ornamental grass collections and dried arrangements
Harvesting: Cut flowering stems during summer when the feathery seedheads are fully developed. Use fresh or hang in small bunches in a dry, well-ventilated position for dried arrangements
 
Days to Maturity:1–2 years 
Vase Life: Everlasting
Height: 60–75cm
Plant Spacing: 30–45cm