Giant feather grass, golden oats

How to grow Giant feather grass, golden oats

Written by Steve Davis · Last reviewed 21 July 2026 · Written for UK gardens · How we research our guidance

Planting

Plant in spring in full sun and sharp drainage — heavy wet soil in winter is the main cause of losses. The foliage mound is low, around 60 cm, but the flowering stems shoot well above it, so it can be planted nearer the front of a border than its overall height suggests and viewed through.

Pruning

Semi-evergreen. Do not shear it to the ground. Comb out dead leaves by hand in spring and cut the old flowering stems off at the base — though many gardeners leave them standing well into winter for the shape.

Propagation

Division in spring, though it re-establishes slowly and resents disturbance. Seed is a reasonable alternative but plants take a few years to reach flowering size.

Pests and diseases

No significant pests. Failure is usually cold wet soil rather than cold air.

Notes

Still widely sold and catalogued as Stipa gigantea, which is the name most nurseries use. The tall oat-like flowering stems catch low sun and hold well from midsummer into autumn, so give it a position where it is lit from behind.

This guidance was researched and written by GardenDecoded — see our editorial policy for how guides are checked and reviewed.

Other names for this plant

These names have all been used for Celtica gigantea but are no longer the accepted name. You may still meet them on old labels, in books, or in nursery catalogues.

Others in Celtica