Stipa pulcherrima

Stipa pulcherrima

Native to:
Albania, Austria, Bulgaria, Corse, Czechia-Slovakia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iran, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Krym, North Caucasus, NW. Balkan Pen., Poland, Romania, Russia, Sicilia, Transcaucasus, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, Ukraine

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Poaceae
Genus:
Stipa
Species:
Stipa pulcherrima
USDA Symbol:
STPU9

Growth Characteristics

Growth Habit:
Graminoid
Height:
100 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
may,jun,jul
Bloom Colors:
cream, silvery

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds, small mammals
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fall Color:
golden, tan
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts from base after fire; typical of steppe grasses adapted to periodic burning.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
well-drained, calcareous, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
6.0 - 8.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
prefers open, sunny locations

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
14–28 days
Notes:
Seeds germinate readily with cold stratification. Light may enhance germination.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 4C.

Source: Ontario Rock Garden & Hardy Plant Society