Lessing feather grass Stipa lessingiana

Water

The Siberian Feather Grass requires moderate watering, but it's essential to allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Typically, applying about 1 inch of water weekly works well. During hot or dry spells, ensure to water the plant thoroughly, providing additional water if the top inch of soil has dried out. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it's crucial to check the soil moisture before irrigating. A good practice is to water the plant early in the morning, directly to the base to minimize evaporation and prevent fungal diseases that can be encouraged by wet foliage.

Light

The Siberian Feather Grass prefers full sun, thriving in areas that receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The best spot for this plant would be in a location that is open, unobstructed by trees or buildings, and receives consistent sunlight throughout the day. Avoid placing it in deep shade, as this will reduce its vigor and could affect its characteristic feathery plumes.

Temperature

The Siberian Feather Grass can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, with minimum hardiness down to about -20 degrees Fahrenheit and maximum tolerance for the heat as long as the roots remain cool. The ideal temperature for active growth ranges from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure the plant has sufficient insulation during the winter to survive cold snaps without sustaining damage.

Pruning

The Siberian Feather Grass should be pruned to remove dead foliage and to maintain its tidy appearance. Pruning is typically done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Cut back the plant to about 4 to 6 inches above the ground every year. This helps to rejuvenate the plant and encourages a flush of new growth when the temperatures warm up.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

For Feather Grass, a well-drained soil is preferred, combining sand, loamy soil, and compost in equal parts. The soil pH should ideally range from 5.5 to 7.5, being slightly acidic to neutral.

Repotting

Feather Grass does not require frequent repotting; it can be repotted every 2-3 years or when the plant has outgrown its current container.

Humidity & Misting

Feather Grass thrives in average humidity conditions and does not require any special humidity adjustments for optimal growth.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Feather Grass near a sunny window and ensure good air circulation.

• Outdoor

  Plant Feather Grass in full sun with well-draining soil.

• Hardiness zone

  Feather Grass is suitable for USDA zones 4-9.

Life cycle

Stipa lessingiana, commonly known as Lessing feathergrass, begins its life cycle with seed germination, usually occurring in spring when soil temperatures and moisture levels are optimal. The seedlings emerge and establish a root system, developing into juvenile plants with narrow, blade-like leaves. As the feathergrass matures, it grows taller and produces flowering culms with feathery, wind-pollinated inflorescences in late spring to early summer. After pollination, the flowers develop into seeds that are housed in a hard husk, which are later dispersed by wind or animals. The mature plant may enter a period of dormancy during unfavorable conditions, especially in hot and dry climates, to conserve resources. Finally, after setting seed, the plant may die or, if perennial in nature, return to a vegetative state to repeat the cycle in the following growing season.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Summer

• Propogation: The most popular method of propagating Stipa lessingiana, commonly known as Lessing's feather grass, is through seed collection and sowing. Seed collection should be done when the seed heads are mature and the seeds can be easily stripped from the stems. This typically occurs in late summer or early autumn. Once collected, the seeds can be sown directly into prepared soil in a sunny location with well-drained soil. It is best to sow the seeds at a shallow depth, approximately 1/8 inch (around 3 mm), and keep the soil moist until germination, which often occurs within 2 to 3 weeks under the right temperature conditions. Seeds can also be started indoors in seed trays before the last frost and then transplanted outdoors once the seedlings are established and the danger of frost has passed.