Calamagrostis brachytricha feather reed grass

Korean feather reed grass, sometimes also classified as subspecies of calamagrostis arundinacea, comes from East Asia and represents a perennial ornamental grass of different appearance compared c. x acutiflora which is the most commonly cultivated hybrid in Europe. It has slightly wider, bright green, upright leaves and blooms from the beginning of July atop up to 1.2 m tall stems. The flowers are pale pinkish bronze and arranged in dense spikes that mature to light beige or almost silvery colour at the very end of the season and look extremely fluffy and you want to touch them every time you pass by.

Young plants are relatively upright, but older and larger ones are slightly arching and look like an elegant bouquet. Korean feather reed grass is also exceptional as it tolerates partial shade and filtered sunlight under tall trees with thin canopies. It is not as compact there as in full sun, but will look good nonetheless.

Reed grass comes from wet and sunny locations and will thrive under these conditions in humus rich soil of any pH in your garden, too. In early spring cut it back to some 5-10 cm above soil level and make sure not to damage newly emerging stems. Hardy to about -34 °C (USDA zone 4).

Last update 30-08-2024