jardimseco
Syn. Stipa calamagrostis. Common names - Spear grass, silver spike grass and needle grass. This is a large deciduous clump forming grass native to large areas of Europe, particularly clearings in mountainous regions. Frost hardy and tolerant of drought conditions it forms an open arching habit giving it a fountain-like form, with showy plumes of silver white flowers in summer. These persist through summer to early Autumn, as they mature they fade to a light golden brown in winter. The foliage remains a blue-green colour while there is sufficient moisture until it too fades to a golden buff brown. Little maintenance is required, but it can be cut down to 15 cm once it is dormant in late winter. This grass dies back to below ground level each year in winter, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
It will tolerate both sandy and clay soils, so long as they are reasonably free draining.
More information
Achnatherum calamagrostis is grown for its early blooming graceful flowers, as they bring movement to any area of planting, nodding and dipping in the slightest breeze. The size of plant varies depending on conditions, but typically it will grow 80 cm wide and up to 120 cm tall. Like many grasses it lends itself to mass planting but can look spectacular planted as a specimen in mixed planting and amongst upright flowering plants such as Allium's, Verbena bonariensis and the larger Salvias. As a native grass, it has excellent habitat credentials for wildlife, particularly birds and lizards.
How to use our online shop
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You can make an order by selecting plants with quantities and putting them in your Shopping Bag.
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By placing an order you are not obligated to purchase the plants online and you will not be asked for any payment at this stage.
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We will confirm prices, availability and delivery/collection dates with you by email.
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Only when all the details of your order are agreed, will we send you an agreed Factura/Invoice and request payment from you.
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Once an order is agreed we require a 50% payment to secure the plants. Plants in the shopping basket are not reserved until an order is placed.
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Availability - the store contains 3 availability categories
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Plants ready for despatch, collection within 14 days
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Plants we have but they are still growing into their containers. These are offered for reservation and will be released once they are ready. An estimated date for their availability is given.
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Plants that we only hold a limited stock of, or only propagate occasionally or on demand. This also includes plants we are going to propagate in the near future.
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Read more on our plant availability and advance orders here