Calamagrotis

Calamagrostis

Feather reed grass

• Position: full sun or partial shade
• Soil: well-drained soil
• Flowering period: July to October
• Height: 0,9-1,8m
• Foliage: deciduous
• Hardiness: fully hardy

Calamagrostis is a tall growing, ornamental grass with a neat upright habit. Attractive vertical flower panicles appear in summer. They take on a lovely, straw colour later in the season.

Calamagrostis is best planted in a group for visual impact.

Varieties

Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’

Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’ reaches a maximum height of 1,8m and a spread of 0,6m and flowers very early. Elegant, purplish flowers appear in June. The colours of the plumes turn to buff in late summer. The plumes will remain upright throughout the winter.

Calamagrotis x acutiflora ‘Overdam’

A striking scheme can be created with the variegated feather reed grass Calamagrotis x acutiflora ‘Overdam’ which has green to cream-striped leaves, topped with airy, purplish flower plumes. With a height of 1,3m, it is an excellent ornamental grass for a small garden.

Calamagrostis brachytrichum

Calamagrostis brachytrichum, commonly known as Korean feather reed, is similar in size, bearing silvery-grey feathery flower heads in August.

Pruning

Pruning Calamagrostis (feather reed grass). Cut it down to about 10-20cm above the ground in February, just before the new growth starts.

Dividing

Calamagrostis can be divided to reduce the size of the clump. Divide in spring, when the soil is starting to warm up. Split the grass in half with a spade while in the ground and then lift the two parts.

Replant the divided parts and water thoroughly.

Plant combination

Calamagrostis goes well with met Liatris spicata,Verbena bonariensis, Echinacea, Salvia nemorosa.

Verbena bonariensis