Ichu (Stipa ichu)
Ichu (Stipa ichu) is a grass plant that can grow 50cm – 1.5m tall and 10cm – 50cm wide. In this growing guide we’ll learn the cultivation details and how to plant Ichu (Stipa ichu).
This plant has several common names including: ichu or Peruvian feather grass.
This is a deciduous plant that takes 2-5 years to reach full maturity.
In this article
Plant profile
Common name: ichu, Peruvian feather grass
Scientific name: Stipa ichu
Plant type: Grasses
Habit: Tufted
Height: 50cm – 1.5m
Spread: 10cm – 50cm
Foliage: Deciduous
Sunlight: Full Sun
Soil: Chalk, Loam, Sand
Moisture: Moist but well drained, Well drained
Garden type: Architectural, City & Courtyard Gardens, Informal Garden, Patio & Container Garden, Rock & Gravel Garden
Planting type: Flower borders and bedding, Low Maintenance
Other characteristics: RHS Award of Garden Merit
Seasonal colors
| Season | Stem | Foliage | Flower | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
How to plant Ichu (Stipa ichu) – Daderot, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Other types of Stipa to consider:
See all Stipa
How to plant
In this section we will learn how to plant Ichu (Stipa ichu), know its needs in terms of soil, watering and sun exposure.
Soil
Ichu (Stipa ichu) is not a demanding plant regarding the type of soil and can grow in chalk, loam or sand.
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The chalky soil is pale and contains chunks of calcium-rich rock. It is a fertile and well-draining soil, almost always alkaline.
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The loam soil is dark, rich in organic matter but balanced in minerals. It offers the best of all worlds, retaining enough water for the plants, but allowing excess moisture to drain away. This is the most desired type of garden soil, perfect for most plants.
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Sandy soil is light, porous and very easy to drain. It is a soil poor in organic matter and nutrients. It is composed of relatively large mineral particles that allow water to drain quickly.
It is not very sensitive to soil acidity or alkalinity and grows well in soils with pH acid, alkaline or neutral.
Regarding drainage, Stipa ichu likes to grow in moist but well drained or well drained soils.
Sunlight
Ichu (Stipa ichu) should be grown in full sun places.
Cultivation profiles – Growing Ichu (Stipa ichu) – LBM1948, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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