About
A clump-forming deciduous perennial grass with flat, arching leaves to 90cm in length, and bronze flowering panicles that fade to pale brown.
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, North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeGrass Like
HabitTufted
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Prairie planting, Architectural
Care notes
CultivationEasy to grow in most moist, humus-rich, well-drained fertile soils, but will tolerate all but the poorest soils
PruningCut back old stems to the ground in early spring before growth resumes
PropagationPropagate by division in mid-spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to a rust