Stipa tenacissima
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Stipa tenacissima

Esparto grass · Esparto · Needle Grass · Alfa Grass · False esparto

Tier 2 Difficulty: easy Water: low Light: full_sun
Temperature
15–37 °C
Soil pH
6–8
Hardiness
Zone 8–11
Click count
13
Observations
21

Description

Source: leafsnap

Stipa tenacissima (esparto, esparto grass, halfah grass, alfa grass, or needle grass) is a perennial grass of northwestern Africa and the southern part of the Iberian Peninsula.

Care Guide

💧 Water

Esparto is a drought-tolerant plant that flourishes in arid conditions, even though it needs to be watered weekly. As an evergreen, it keeps its foliage all year and efficiently conserves water during dry spells.

☀️ Light Full sun

Esparto is a sun-loving perennial herbaceous plant native to open habitats and frequently found in meadows and grasslands. It prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial sun.

Ideal: Full sun
🌡️ Temperature 15–37.8°C

Esparto can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, though its range may still be restricted by different combinations of moisture and heat. It performs best in warm summer climates with sufficient rainfall or irrigation. Long stretches of overcast, rainy weather, as well as extended high temperatures, can increase the risk of Esparto dying. In winter, adequate protection from cold can enhance the plant’s survival chances.

Ideal temperature: 15–37.8°C
💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 6-8
Soil pH: 6-8
🌱 Fertilizer

Esparto necesita nutrientes adicionales para fomentar un crecimiento nuevo y saludable. En primavera, colocar compost alrededor de la base de la planta puede proporcionar la nutrición necesaria. La fertilización ayuda a impulsar un crecimiento vigoroso y contribuye a que la planta resista enfermedades y plagas.

🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning

Esparto is a resilient plant with a grass-like appearance and benefits from pruning in early spring. By cutting back old foliage, you encourage new growth and help maintain the plant's health by removing any damaged stems. This practice improves air circulation and light penetration, enhancing the plant's overall vigor and ensuring it thrives throughout the growing season.

🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Grass
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Stipa
Family
Poaceae
Hardiness Zone
8-11
Mature Height
1.22 m to 1.83 m
Mature Spread
30 cm to 61 cm
Leaf Color
Green, Gray, Silver
Leaf Type
Evergreen
Flower Color
White, Green, Cream, Brown, Silver
Flower Size
2.54 cm to 7.62 cm
Bloom Time
Mid spring, Late spring
Planting Time
Spring, Summer
Harvest Time
Early summer, Mid summer

Tags (5)

Common Names (5)

en Esparto grass
en Esparto
en Needle Grass
en Alfa Grass
en False esparto