Photo of Stenanthium gramineum flower, foliage, form by Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

Photo by Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

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Buy Stenanthium gramineum

Also Known As

  • Eastern Featherbells

Plant type

perennial

size

  • H: 4'-6'
  • W: 1'-2'

planting zones

  • 5a-9b

7 bare root plants | $50

Shipping $7.95, free on orders $49.95 & up

4972 at Sunshine Farm and Gardens

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Stenanthium gramineum plant details

Stenanthium gramineum is a broadleaf deciduous perennial with green foliage. In summer cream and white flowers emerge. Features grassy texture. Attracts bees making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and even moisture - occasional water. Drought tolerant once established. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in acidic, average, gritty, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant, humidity tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Stenanthium gramineum

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: melanthiaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 1 FT - 2 FT - wide, 4 FT - 6 FT - tall
Flowers: cream and white blooms in summer
Uses: bare root shipping available, bog garden, easy-to-grow, fragrant, larger quantity available, rare, woodland garden

GROWING CONDITIONS for Stenanthium gramineum

USDA Zones: 5a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - occasional
Resistant to: heat, humidity and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: acidic, average, gritty, rich and well-drained

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Nursery contributed plant descriptions

If you're looking for a native shade perennial that blooms later in the season, and I mean late and for a long time, then I absolutely have the perfect plant for you! AKA "Eastern Featherbells", Stenanthium gramineum is a stunning member of the Melanthiaceae family, the same family as another of my faves, Veratrum viride. It's native to more than half the US and will grow well in just about any state in the US. Not only does Stenanthium start blooming in late summer, when there really isn't much going on, but it keeps on blooming until the killing frosts of October with panicles of pure white flowers over wide, lush, grasslike foliage, on graceful, 36" - 60" stems. I grow Stenanthium in average soil, in full to light shade. However, if you're going to grow it in full sun, the soil needs to be a bit more moist. This plant is a "No-Brainer" to grow and a real show stopper in flower.
Stenanthium gramineum or eastern featherbells is uncommon in the wild and in cultivation but easy to grow. It forms basal mounds of folded, grass or sedge-like leaves yet it is in the Melianthus family, a fact that is revealed when the 3-5 foot tall branching inflorescence rises in late summer covered in small, star-like, white, fragrant flowers creating a feathery effect. Blooms last for 6 weeks or longer. Grow in slightly acidic, well-drained soil with lots of organic matter.

Gardening facts about Stenanthium gramineum plant

How to Grow Stenanthium gramineum

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly shade
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - drought tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • acidic
    • adaptable
    • average
    • well-drained
    • rich
    • gritty
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant
    • humidity tolerant
    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • white
    • cream
  • Wildlife

    • bees
  • Flower Season

    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
  • Texture

    • grassy
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