Overview
Calamagrostis brachytricha is a bushy grass like in the genus Calamagrostis, part of the Poaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 1-1.5 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Calamagrostis brachytricha grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. It is a holder of the RHS Award of Garden Merit. Suggested uses include architectural, cottage and informal garden and patio and container plants. It is native to C to E Asia.
About
Grows in a dense tuft of smooth, green, narrow leaves that transition to yellow as autumn arrives. In late summer to early autumn, it produces slender, feathery flower spikes with a hint of purple, which remain ornamental throughout the winter months.
About the genus
Calamagrostis consists of sturdy perennial grasses that spread through rhizomes, producing clumps of narrow leaves. During the summer, upright stems develop dense, branched flowering panicles.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Calamagrostis
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, North-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Calamagrostis brachytricha size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Grass Like
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1-1.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
- Native to
- C to E Asia
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Calamagrostis brachytricha
- Cultivation
- Tolerant of a range of conditions but best in moisture retentive well-drained soil with full sun or part shade
- Pruning
- Cut back old growth in early spring to about 13cm (5in) before growth resumes
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed or division in mid-spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to rust diseases in wet summers or when planted densely
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Calamagrostis brachytricha?
Tolerant of a range of conditions but best in moisture retentive well-drained soil with full sun or part shade.
Where is the best place to plant Calamagrostis brachytricha?
Calamagrostis brachytricha prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Calamagrostis brachytricha need?
Calamagrostis brachytricha is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
How do I prune Calamagrostis brachytricha?
Cut back old growth in early spring to about 13cm (5in) before growth resumes.
How big does Calamagrostis brachytricha grow?
Calamagrostis brachytricha reaches a height of 1-1.5 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Calamagrostis brachytricha hardy in the UK?
Calamagrostis brachytricha has a UK hardiness rating of H6.
How do I propagate Calamagrostis brachytricha?
Propagate by seed or division in mid-spring.