Overview
Calamagrostis brachytrica is a grass in the genus Calamagrostis, part of the Poaceae family. Calamagrostis brachytrica grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Suggested uses include ornamental and grass borders.
About
Calamagrostis brachytrica is a species in the genus Calamagrostis and a member of the grass family Poaceae. It produces summer flowering panicles, with blooms occurring in the UK from June to September. As with other Calamagrostis, identification depends on the flowering stems and spikelets. The genus includes a range of growth forms from tufted clumps to spreading by rhizomes or stolons.
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 brachytrica sits within the genus Calamagrostis (family Poaceae), a group of roughly 260 grasses found mainly in temperate regions. The genus typically bears narrow, usually hairless leaves, blunt ligules and panicle-type inflorescences made up of single-floret spikelets; flowering stems commonly develop in early to mid-summer. In the UK this species flowers from June to September. When planning for a specimen, first establish the plant’s growth form — Calamagrostis species may be caespitose (forming tufts), rhizomatous or stoloniferous — because that determines spacing and containment. Positioning that allows the flowering culms to be seen to advantage is useful, since the stems and inflorescences are key identification and ornamental features. Observe how the plant spreads and give any runner-forming material extra room or a physical barrier if you need to restrict it. Calamagrostis brachytrica suits perennial borders, meadow mixes and naturalistic plantings where summer panicles can read against other perennials or grasses. In mixed-planting schemes, use it where its flowering stems will remain visible through the summer months; the flowering culms are the most diagnostic and seasonally prominent part to plan around.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Calamagrostis
- Sunlight
- full sun, partial shade
- Soil type
- loam, sandy, clay
- Soil pH
- acidic, neutral, alkaline
- Soil moisture
- moist,well-drained
- Exposure
- sheltered, exposed
Plant details
Calamagrostis brachytrica size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- grass
- Suggested uses
- ornamental, grass borders
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Calamagrostis brachytrica
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, well-drained soils in full sun to partial shade. Tolerates a range of soil types and pH levels.
- Pruning
- Cut back old foliage in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Propagation
- Division in spring or autumn.
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Calamagrostis brachytrica?
Prefers moist, well-drained soils in full sun to partial shade. Tolerates a range of soil types and pH levels.
Where is the best place to plant Calamagrostis brachytrica?
Calamagrostis brachytrica prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered and exposed positions.
What soil does Calamagrostis brachytrica need?
Calamagrostis brachytrica is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including loam, sandy and clay. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist to well-drained.
How do I prune Calamagrostis brachytrica?
Cut back old foliage in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
How do I propagate Calamagrostis brachytrica?
Division in spring or autumn.