Stipa tenuifolia

Nicknamed "angel hair" or "pony tails", wild garden enthusiasts are familiar with the Stipa tenuifolia. This grass settles humbly, formed by a handful of unruly hairs, then it shoots up and thickens in two seasons, becoming an incredible fountain with fresh green hair that ripples at the slightest breeze, before transforming in summer into silky, blonde tufts. The wind creates waves in it, the sun drowns in it against the light. A wonderful perennial, unaffected by difficult conditions and clinging to poor, dry soils. It will find its place in all gardens, from the wildest to the most romantic, blending in very well with contemporary style. A must-have, which often self-seeds in the most unexpected areas and grows very well in pots! But who would complain?

The Stipa tenuifolia is a short-lived herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the poaceae family, like many grasses. Central America is its birthplace, from Argentina to Mexico, it extends up to Texas. This plant grows in small clumps of very fine, cylindrical and linear leaves, spring green, spreading out like a fountain. When mature, it will measure 40 to 50 cm (16 to 20in) in all directions, with rapid growth. The foliage is evergreen. In summer, long, soft and silky pale blonde inflorescences appear, turning golden and then bronze in autumn, slightly curved towards the ground. Seeds form in late summer on the spikes and cluster together in the plant, forming a somewhat rough mass like a handful of tow (Stipa comes from the Greek word stipê meaning tow). They are dispersed by the wind and greatly ensure the species' perpetuity in the garden and in nature.

Hardy up to -15°C (5°F) in well-drained soil, Stipa tenuifolia is a perfect plant for dry gardens and areas where the soil is poor and stony. This grass is appreciated for the extreme softness of its silky tufts, and its decorative appearance for much of the year. It accompanies floriferous and light perennials, such as linarias, penstemons, field daisies, Aster cordifolius, scabious, as well as annual poppies and love-in-a-mist. The dark foliage of Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Tom Thumb', Cotinus 'Royal Purple', or Physocarpus 'Diabolo' in cooler soil will highlight its blonde plumes. Plant it in a place where you can touch it, along a path, along a terrace or in a large pot, grouping several specimens.