Overview
Calamagrostis × acutiflora is a grass in the genus Calamagrostis, part of the Poaceae family. Calamagrostis × acutiflora grows best in full sun, and tolerates well-drained soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, ornamental grass and naturalistic plantings. It is native to Europe and Asia.
About the genus
Calamagrostis is a genus of flowering plants in the grass family Poaceae, with about 260 species that occur mainly in temperate regions of the globe. Towards equatorial latitudes, species of Calamagrostis generally occur at higher elevations. These tufted perennials usually have hairless narrow leaves.
Wikipedia contributors, "Calamagrostis", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Calamagrostis
In the garden
Calamagrostis × acutiflora occurs naturally across parts of Europe and Asia and is widely used in cultivation as an ornamental grass. As a hybrid within the Calamagrostis genus it has been adopted into mixed borders and naturalistic schemes where upright grassy stems are required. Plant it where it receives full sun and where the soil remains moist yet drains freely; waterlogged ground should be avoided. A sheltered aspect is recommended to protect the flowering stems. Its UK hardiness rating is H5, which corresponds to 'hardy' in garden terms and means it tolerates typical winter conditions across much of the country. Suit this grass to linear or background planting in borders, as a vertical accent in naturalistic plantings, or grouped for architectural movement through the year. Flowering occurs from June to September, so the flowering stems provide summer into early-autumn structure in the border.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Calamagrostis
- Sunlight
- full sun
- Soil type
- well-drained
- Soil moisture
- moist
- Exposure
- sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Calamagrostis × acutiflora size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Grass
- Suggested uses
- borders, ornamental grass, naturalistic plantings
- Native to
- Europe, Asia
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Calamagrostis × acutiflora
- Cultivation
- Plant in spring or autumn; prefers moist, well-drained soil; cut back old foliage in late winter or early spring
- Pruning
- Cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring
- Propagation
- division in spring
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Calamagrostis × acutiflora?
Plant in spring or autumn; prefers moist, well-drained soil; cut back old foliage in late winter or early spring.
Where is the best place to plant Calamagrostis × acutiflora?
Calamagrostis × acutiflora prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Calamagrostis × acutiflora need?
Calamagrostis × acutiflora grows best in well-drained soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.
How do I prune Calamagrostis × acutiflora?
Cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring.
Is Calamagrostis × acutiflora hardy in the UK?
Calamagrostis × acutiflora has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Calamagrostis × acutiflora?
Division in spring.
From the Fenn Plants journal
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