Calamagrostis (feather reed grass)

At Heijnen Plants, we take pride in presenting Calamagrostis, an exquisite genus of reedgrass that originates from the vast meadows of Central to Eastern Asia. This non-evergreen grass is celebrated for its slender foliage, which paints the landscape in hues of green, and is often accentuated with attractive variegations of white. Throughout the seasons, reedgrass graces gardens with an array of flower plumes in colors ranging from brown to white, grey, yellow, and even subtle purples, adding a touch of elegance and height to any planting scheme. While it may not bear fruit or emit fragrance, Calamagrostis stands out for its structural beauty and the serene movement it brings to the garden space.

Calamagrostis × acutiflora 'Karl Foerster'

Calamagrostis × acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' Feather reed grass

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Calamagrostis × acutiflora 'Overdam' Feather reed grass

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Calamagrostis brachytricha Korean feather reed grass

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Buy calamagrostis (feather reed grass)

The genus Calamagrostis, commonly known as reedgrass, is a collection of grasses prized for their adaptability and aesthetic appeal in a variety of garden settings. These grasses are renowned for their feathery inflorescences that appear in late summer and exhibit an array of colors from soft purples to glistening silvers. With a wide range of uses from border accents to group plantings or even as a standout solitary feature, Calamagrostis species add texture and movement to the landscape.

Key Features

Flowering Splendor: Calamagrostis graces gardens with its flowering from June to October, offering an extended display of colors including brown, white, grey, yellow, and purple.
Foliage Transition: The foliage of these grasses transitions through a palette of greens, creams, and yellows from spring to autumn, contributing to the visual interest throughout the seasons.
Versatile Planting Options: Whether planted in borders, as groupings, or standing alone, these grasses are versatile in landscape design.
Soil and Light Flexibility: Thriving in all well-drained soil types and in locations ranging from full sun to partial shade, Calamagrostis is accommodating to various garden conditions.
Maintenance: With average water needs and a deciduous nature, these grasses require minimal care, making them suitable for gardeners seeking low-maintenance options.

Tips

Propagation Practices: For gardeners looking to propagate Calamagrostis, division is recommended in spring or autumn to stimulate new growth and maintain plant health.
Watering Wisdom: Although drought resistance is not a trait of Calamagrostis, their average water requirements mean regular watering during extended dry periods will keep them thriving.
Seasonal Pruning: Since these grasses are deciduous, cutting back the old foliage in late winter or early spring encourages fresh growth and maintains a tidy appearance.
Avoiding Overcrowding: When planting, ensure each Calamagrostis specimen has enough space to grow to its full potential, both in width and height, for optimal development and air circulation.
Embracing Winter Beauty: Even as the plants enter dormancy, the beige and silver tones of Calamagrostis' winter flowers can add a striking element to the frosty garden landscape.

Types

Embrace the elegance of reedgrass, a stunning addition to any garden with its slender stems and feathery plumes that sway gracefully in the breeze. These ornamental grasses offer a striking vertical element, making them ideal for creating depth and contrast. Available in various cultivars, each with its unique charm, reedgrass is a plant that exudes both simplicity and sophistication.

The Calamagrostis acutiflora 'Karl Foerster', commonly known as feather reed grass, is a striking ornamental plant that brings elegance to any landscape with its tall, slender form and feathery plumes. Its flowers bloom from June through August, presenting a blend of brown and yellow colors that sway gracefully in the breeze. This variety is cherished for its upright growth habit and its ability to provide vertical interest in a garden setting. It thrives in a variety of conditions and adds a touch of sophistication to the scenery.
The Calamagrostis acutiflora 'Overdam', or feather reed grass, is a perennial favorite among garden enthusiasts. Its variegated leaves and tall, elegant stems topped with feathery plumes captivate observers. Throughout the summer months of June to August, it displays a stunning array of flower colors, ranging from subtle browns to soft purples. This ornamental grass is prized for its vertical accent and the textured aesthetic it brings to any garden space, creating a visually pleasing and structured look.
Embrace the natural elegance of Calamagrostis brachytricha, commonly referred to as Korean feather reed grass or purple reedgrass. This ornamental grass is cherished for its delicate, airy plumes that present a stunning blend of brown, white, and grey tones. Flourishing in the late summer months, it provides a striking visual interest to any garden from August through October. Native to Central and Eastern Asia, Calamagrostis brachytricha is a graceful addition that sways with a gentle poise, enhancing the landscape with its tall and slender silhouette.

Ideal placement of a Calamagrostis

For optimal growth, Calamagrostis should be situated in a location that receives full sun to partial shade. This genus is adaptable to a wide range of soil types but thrives best in soils that are well-drained. When considering a site for planting, ensure that the area offers sufficient space for the grass to reach its full stature and spread. This allows the distinctive flowering plumes room to sway gracefully in the breeze, adding movement and texture to the garden landscape. Regular watering will support its lush foliage and impressive blooms, particularly during the active growth season.

Planting a Calamagrostis

When planting Calamagrostis, select a location that provides sun to partial shade to accommodate its flexible lighting needs. The species thrives in various well-drained soils, allowing it to be incorporated into diverse garden designs, whether it be as a striking solitary feature or part of a cohesive border or group planting. Pot-grown specimens should be spaced adequately to ensure room for growth and air circulation. Upon planting, establish a regular watering schedule to meet the species' average water requirements, particularly important as it is not drought resistant. For optimal growth and health, the best planting times are during the cooler months of spring or autumn.

Fertilising a Calamagrostis

To ensure the robust growth and vibrant display of flower plumes, Calamagrostis should receive adequate nutrition throughout the growing season. It is beneficial to fertilize this species in the early spring as new growth emerges, using a balanced, slow-release fertilizer that can provide a steady supply of nutrients. A second application can be made when the growing season is at its peak to support the plant as it enters the flowering phase.

When applying fertilizer, distribute it evenly around the base of the plant, taking care to avoid direct contact with the foliage to prevent burn. Watering the plant after fertilizing will help to incorporate the nutrients into the soil, allowing the root system to absorb them more efficiently. An appropriate feeding schedule coupled with consistent watering will contribute to the ornamental grass's health and longevity.

Pruning a Calamagrostis

Calamagrostis should be cut back in late winter or early spring before the new growth commences. Prune the grass down to approximately 10-20 cm from the ground to allow for fresh, vigorous shoots to emerge. This practice helps maintain an attractive shape and supports the health of the plant. Since the foliage and flowers add winter interest and texture to the garden, it's best to delay pruning until the end of the dormant season. Regular pruning also encourages denser, more robust growth in the upcoming season.

Watering a Calamagrostis

Calamagrostis requires consistent moisture to thrive, especially when establishing its root system in a new location. During the growing season, ensure the soil is kept evenly moist but well-drained to prevent waterlogging, which can be detrimental to the plant's health. Although this species is not drought-tolerant, once mature, it can endure occasional dry spells better. Nevertheless, during extended periods of drought, supplemental watering will be necessary to maintain its lush foliage and support its flowering period. Water deeply at the base to encourage deep root growth, which helps the plant become more resilient to changing moisture conditions.

The characteristics of a Calamagrostis

Calamagrostis thrives with minimal care, yet it's worth noting that dividing the clumps every few years rejuvenates the plant and ensures robust growth. The species' tall, feathery plumes add an architectural element to garden landscapes and are particularly striking when backlit by the early morning or late afternoon sun. Furthermore, their undemanding nature makes them an ideal choice for creating low-maintenance, yet aesthetically pleasing, garden borders or as a graceful backdrop for shorter flowering plants.

Separating/dividing a Calamagrostis

To ensure the continued vigor and aesthetic appeal of this species, division is a recommended practice. Ideally performed in the spring or autumn, the process begins by lifting the plant from its location and carefully separating it into smaller sections. Each division should have a healthy amount of roots and shoots to ensure successful re-establishment. Replanting these sections into well-drained soil, whether under the full sun or partial shade, will not only promote new growth but also help maintain the plant's robust health. Regular division can also help control the size and spread of the plant in a garden setting.

The ideal variety for you Buy calamagrostis (feather reed grass)

Calamagrostis, with its graceful, feathery plumes and elegant upright form, is the perfect ornamental grass to add structure and movement to your garden. This plant thrives with minimal care, providing a stunning visual display that enhances any landscape design.

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