Golden oats (Stipa gigantea)

Golden oats

Also known as: Spanish oats, Giant needle grass

Stipa gigantea has leaf blades that are narrow and gray-green, creating a bunchgrass foliage mass 61 to 91 cm in diameter. It is evergreen to semi-evergreen, depending on the climate. The plant has prominent flower spikes emerging silver-laveneder in the late spring, aging to a radiant golden over the summer, and persisting in tan into winter.

Scientific classification

Species

Golden oats (Stipa gigantea)

Grasses, sedges and allies

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1.8 m to 2.5 m

Plant Height

60 cm to 90 cm

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

2.5 cm

Flower Size

Purple, Gold, Yellow

Flower Color

Green

Stem Color

Evergreen

Leaf type

10 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Golden oats

Quickly Identify Golden oats

Densely mounding evergreen form

Arching gray-green leaves

Erect flower spikes up to 4 feet (1.2 meters) tall

Striking 10-inch (25 cm) long panicles

Initially purplish flowers transition to rich wheat color

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Care Guide for Golden oats

Twice per week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

10 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Golden oats, from semi-arid regions, shows drought tolerance, thriving on a biweekly watering schedule. As an outdoor ornamental grass, it prefers well-draining soil and benefits from seasonal rain during its growth period.

Fertilize: For golden oats, mulching annually in spring with well-rotted compost enhances growth and flowering. A modest top-dressing provides necessary nutrients while avoiding over-fertilization, which can lead to weak growth. Adapt fertilization to seasonal needs, applying sparingly for robust, elegant displays.

Pruning: Golden oats features elegant flower spikes with a golden hue. Prune in early spring by cutting back old leaves to ground level and removing dead stems to boost growth. Proper pruning enhances appearance and flowering, so avoid late season cuts to preserve the growth cycle.

Propagation: Golden oats is a perennial grass from the Poaceae family, recognized for its tall flower spikes. Effective propagation involves division of mature, vigorous clumps, ensuring each section has adequate roots and shoots. Plant in well-draining soil to promote root establishment and enhance landscape aesthetics.

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