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Stipa Pennata

The_herpetologistThe_herpetologist Posts: 481
in Plants
Does anyone know where I can buy this grass? It’s a native species apparently, but I can’t find it for sale anywhere.


Posts

  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,445
    I googled and found several nurseries listing it, but maybe you'v e tried them and they're out of stock. It's easy from seed, mine came from Chiltern Seeds


    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • CeresCeres Posts: 2,698
    You may have to grow your own. https://www.wholesale.molesseeds.co.uk/perennials/f-h/grass/grass-stipa-pennata-gra240

  • The_herpetologistThe_herpetologist Posts: 481
    edited August 2019
    Yes, the seed sellers are abundant, but I tried growing from seed this year, to no avail. I’ve no idea why not even specialist ornamental grass nurseries like Knoll wouldn't have such a beautiful native grass in stock. It’s the same with Stipa Barbata. 
  • HelixHelix Posts: 631
    What distinguishes S.pennata?  I have a stipa but have forgotten which one, and have loads of seedlings..
  • The_herpetologistThe_herpetologist Posts: 481
    Helix said:
    What distinguishes S.pennata?  I have a stipa but have forgotten which one, and have loads of seedlings..
    It’s likely to be tennuissima, which is gorgeous, but quite common. Pennata has long delicate awns that dance in the slightest breeze....




  • Norman McClureNorman McClure Posts: 1
    I saw this wonderful grass at RHS Bridgewater (Manchester)summer 2022, the awns were captivating in the gentle breeze. Well worth the trip from Scotland. I have since tried several sources of seeds and, no germination so far.
  • RubytooRubytoo Posts: 1,630
    That is a beautiful one.
    There are two that look a bit like your wishlist one on Beth Chatto site.
    It is hard to tell from pictures there but I wonder if either of these are similar enough to get your fix.

    https://www.bethchatto.co.uk/shop-by-other/grasses/stipa/
    S. barbata and psuedoichu

    I must say they do not quite look as fine as the one you want/like I would prefer yours from the photo.
    Good Luck.
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    edited February 2023
    I love S barbata never grown it as I think it isn't hardy or short lived?

    Just looked it up flowers in a hot summer, short lived native. For a hot dry spot, rarely offered.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
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