Giant Feather Grass is a towering ornamental grass that reaches 4 to 6 feet tall, transforming any garden into a landscape of movement and light. This heirloom variety produces delicate, feathery flower plumes that dance in the slightest breeze from spring through fall, creating an almost ethereal display. Hardy in zone 6 and thriving in full sun with minimal water, it's a drought-tolerant powerhouse that asks for very little once established. Deer leave it alone, and pollinators are drawn to its airy inflorescences, making it both practical and ecologically valuable.
2
Full Sun
Low
6-6
72in H x 48in W
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Moderate
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Giant Feather Grass reaches an impressive 48 to 72 inches tall with a spread of 24 to 48 inches, creating a dramatic vertical accent that commands attention in any garden composition. Its feathery plumes emerge throughout the entire growing season from March through November, providing months of movement and visual interest. The combination of extreme drought tolerance, low water needs, and complete indifference to deer makes this a performer in challenging sites where many grasses struggle.
Giant Feather Grass serves primarily as an ornamental focal point in landscape design. The tall, feathery plumes are valued in cut flower arrangements and dried flower displays, where they retain their delicate structure and silvery appearance for extended periods. Its height and airy texture make it excellent for creating screens, backdrops, or vertical interest in perennial borders and prairie-style gardens.
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Sow indoors 10 to 12 weeks before the last frost date. Surface sow the seeds and cover with a humidity dome to retain moisture, keeping temperatures around 65 to 70°F. If germination is slow or minimal after 14 to 28 days, move the trays to a cooler location of 35 to 40°F for 2 to 4 weeks to break dormancy, then return them to warm temperatures to complete sprouting.
Transplant seedlings outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. Harden off plants gradually by exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7 to 10 days before final planting. Space plants 2 inches apart.
Direct sow in fall or early spring into prepared beds.
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