Stipa Ichu

Common Name:
Peruvian Feather Grass

Description:
Stipa ichu is a striking ornamental grass known for its fine, upright foliage and airy plumes that create movement and texture in the garden. Native to South America, this hardy grass forms dense clumps of narrow, blue-green to grey-green leaves, topped with tall, feathery flower spikes that rise above the foliage in spring and summer. As the season progresses, the flower heads mature to soft straw tones, providing extended seasonal interest and a naturalistic feel. In Melbourne’s climate, Stipa ichu performs best in full sun and well-drained soil, tolerating dry conditions and poor soils once established. It is particularly well suited to contemporary landscapes, gravel gardens, coastal plantings and large-scale mass displays where its soft texture contrasts beautifully with bolder foliage plants. Low maintenance and drought tolerant, it benefits from a tidy cut back in late winter to encourage fresh new growth.

Form:
*Shrub - Clumping / Grass-like / Mounding

Mature Size:
Height: 60–100 cm (up to 1.2 m in flower)
Width: 60–90 cm

Aspect:
*Full Sun

Flowering:
*Flowers in Spring
*Flowers in Summer

Flower Colour:
*Silvery
*Straw

Key Attributes:
*Suitable for Pots
*Perennial
*Drought tolerant once established
*Low maintenance
*Suitable for Coastal Gardens
*Provides movement and texture

Toxicity:
Not known to be toxic to humans or pets.

Companion Plants:
*Lavandula
*Salvia
*Echinacea
*Westringia
*Achillea