Stipa extremiorientalis

Stipa extremiorientalis is an elegant Asian grass, producing a clump of erect then arching evergreen, bright green leaves. Upright and feathery spikes appear in summer, then turn golden bronze in autumn, creating warm-toned rustic scenes. It is very hardy, and will thrive in any well-drained or even dry soil, in full sun or light shade, in meadows, rockeries and pots.

The East Asian feather grass comes from the eastern regions of Asia (China, Siberia, Japan) where it grows in dry high-altitude prairies. Botanists now call it Achnatherum pekinense, although this name is still not widely used in horticulture, as the plant is rarely offered for sale. It forms a clump of stiff, evergreen, bright green, eye-catching leaves, slightly arched at their tips. Between July and September, light and feathery spikes emerge from the clump, reaching about 1.20 m (4ft) high and 40 cm (16in) wide which move with the slightest breeze producing a soft rustling sound. As temperatures drop, the inflorescences and foliage take on warm golden hues, marked with brown and some traces of tender green. The leaves turn green again in spring.

Extremely hardy due to its origins (it can withstand temperatures as low as -25°C (-13°F)), Stipa extremiorientalis is undemanding and robust: it will thrive in good, well-drained, dry soil. If the soil is heavy and wet during winter, its hardiness will be much lower and it may rot. Adding stones or coarse sand can be useful in this case. It will be happiest in full sun, although it also tolerates light shade. Do not cut back the dry stems as they will provide structure in your flower beds throughout the winter if the weather is not too severe and extend the season of interest in the garden.

This species will work well in large rockeries or wild, natural borders, where you can combine it with other grasses like Stipa tenuifolia, Panicum virgatum or Eragrostis curvula for a flamboyant autumnal scene of gold, bronze and red. Giant perennial meadow plants like Cephalaria gigantea, Rudbeckia maxima or Purple Fennel will complete this ensemble. Make sure you have good drainage in pots, and the result will be just as rewarding.