Overview
Calamagrostis villosa is a tufted grass like in the genus Calamagrostis, part of the Poaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Calamagrostis villosa grows best in full sun and partial shade, 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 villosa is a tufted cultivar of the Calamagrostis genus, which comprises sturdy perennial grasses spreading through rhizomes and forming clumps of narrow leaves. This deciduous grass produces dense, branched flowering panicles on upright stems during the summer. It thrives in well-drained soils ranging from chalk to clay and sand, tolerating acid, alkaline, and neutral pH levels. Suitable for full sun or partial shade, it is hardy in the UK (H6) and ideal for cottage gardens, prairie plantings, and architectural borders, offering seasonal interest from spring through autumn.
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
- Aspect
- South, East, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Calamagrostis villosa size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Grass Like
- Habit
- Tufted
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Prairie planting, Architectural, Low Maintenance, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Calamagrostis villosa
- 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 villosa?
Calamagrostis villosa prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Calamagrostis villosa need?
Calamagrostis villosa 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.
Is Calamagrostis villosa hardy in the UK?
Calamagrostis villosa 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 villosa?
Division in mid-spring.
More in the Calamagrostis genus
- Calamagrostis pseudophragmites
- Calamagrostis brachytrica
- Calamagrostis x ac. 'Karl Foerster'Reed Grass