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. Suggested uses include flower borders and beds. It is native to Korea.
About
Calamagrostis arundinacea is a species of bunch grass in the family Poaceae, native to Eurasia, China and India. Under its synonym Calamagrostis brachytricha it has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Calamagrostis arundinacea
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
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
- Flower borders and beds
- Native to
- Korea
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Calamagrostis brachytricha
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade; tolerant of a range of soil types; benefits from division every few years to maintain vigor.
- Pruning
- Cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Propagation
- Division in mid-spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Calamagrostis brachytricha?
Prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade; tolerant of a range of soil types; benefits from division every few years to maintain vigor.
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 to ground level in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
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 an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Calamagrostis brachytricha?
Division in mid-spring.
More in the Calamagrostis genus
Browse all Calamagrostis →Last updated