Overview
Calamagrostis epigejos is a tufted grass like in the genus Calamagrostis, part of the Poaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 1.5-2.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 1-2 years. Calamagrostis epigejos grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, prairie planting, architectural, low maintenance and flower borders and beds.
About
Calamagrostis epigejos, commonly known as wood small reed, is a tufted, deciduous grass belonging to the genus Calamagrostis in the Poaceae family. This grass-like plant typically grows to a height of 1.5 to 2.5 metres, with a spread of 0.1 to 0.5 metres, reaching full height within 1 to 2 years. It thrives in full sun on south- or west-facing aspects and can tolerate both exposed and sheltered conditions. Calamagrostis epigejos prefers moist but well-drained soils of various types, including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, across a range of pH levels. Its season of interest is summer.
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
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Calamagrostis epigejos size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Grass Like
- Habit
- Tufted
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 1-2 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Prairie planting, Architectural, Low Maintenance, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Calamagrostis epigejos
- Propagation
- Division in mid-spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to a rust
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Calamagrostis epigejos?
Calamagrostis epigejos prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Calamagrostis epigejos need?
Calamagrostis epigejos 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.
How big does Calamagrostis epigejos grow?
Calamagrostis epigejos reaches a height of 1.5-2.5 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 1-2 years to reach full size.
Is Calamagrostis epigejos hardy in the UK?
Calamagrostis epigejos 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 epigejos?
Division in mid-spring.
More in the Calamagrostis genus
Browse all Calamagrostis →Last updated