About
Forms a clump of glossy green, linear leaves turning yellow in autumn, with narrow, fluffy, purple-tinged plume-like sprays of flower opening in late summer and early autumn and persisting into the winter.
About the genus
Calamagrostis are robust rhizomatous perennial grasses, forming tufts of linear leaves, with erect stems bearing dense branching flowering panicles in summer
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeGrass Like
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Native toC to E Asia
Care notes
CultivationTolerant of a range of conditions but best in moisture retentive well-drained soil with full sun or part shade
PruningCut back old growth in early spring to about 13cm (5in) before growth resumes
PropagationPropagate by seed or division in mid-spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to rust diseases in wet summers or when planted densely