Stipa barbata

Stipa barbata is not spectacular in terms of its foliage or stature, but this graceful wild plant has an extravagant and sumptuous summer flowering, coming alive with the slightest breeze, unfurling long, silky, spirals that have earned it its other name of angel hair. This grass is easy to grow in the sun and well-drained, even rocky soil, and deserves to be planted more often, especially in dry gardens. It is a beautiful little 'grass' that is never invasive but easily self-seeds in light soil. A perennial that fits in any garden, from natural to contemporary.

Stipa barbata is a herbaceous perennial belonging to the poaceae family, like many grasses. It originates from the steppes of southern Europe, North Africa and Asia Minor. This clump-forming plant grows in a narrow and arched tuft of very fine linear, medium green leaves which are smooth on the top and finely hairy on the underside. When mature, it will be about 60 cm (24in) high when in flower and 30 cm (12in) wide. Its growth can be quite fast. The foliage is evergreen. In summer, from June to late July depending on the climate, rigid stems emerge from the tuft of leaves, bearing inflorescences in the form of very long, thin and flexible, soft and silky brushes, silvery-white turning golden in autumn. Seeds form in late summer on the stems which retain their extraordinary beauty until winter. They are dispersed by the wind to ensure the species' survival.

Stip barbata is hardy down to -15°C (5°F) in well-drained soil, a perfect plant for dry gardens and areas where the soil is poor and rocky. This grass is loved because it has beautiful flowering, very light foliage, and it is decorative for a good part of the year. The plant softly rustles in the wind, moving in even the lightest breeze and is lit up in low evening light. It accompanies light flowering perennials such as linarias, penstemons, field daisies, Aster cordifolius, scabious or even annual poppies and asphodels. The dark foliage of Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Tom Thumb', Berberis thunbergii Atropurpurea, Sambucus Black Lace, Cotinus 'Royal Purple', or Physocarpus 'Diabolo' will enhance its long hair in moist soil. Plant it where you can enjoy it, along a pathway, on the edge of a terrace or in a large pot composition.