Growing Calamagrostis

Latin Name Pronunciation:  kal-ah-mah gros’ tiss

Calamagrostis is a genus of about 250 perennial grasses from a variety of habitats in Europe, Asia, Central and North America that are commonly called Reed Grass. Tall plumes that stand above lower basal foliage of cultivated varieties form seedheads that retain their ornamental value through the winter.

Growing Calamagrostis

Plant the crown just at soil level, or slightly above if you will be adding mulch. Spacing is indicated on the back of the plant tag. Best with good air circulation.

Light: Full sun to part shade; Plants produce more flowers in sun (with sufficient moisture). Likely to be more lax and less floriferous in shade.

Watering: Medium

Fertilizer: Not necessary; thrives in soil with high organic content, so occasional compost applications and shredded bark mulch are beneficial.

Soil: Fertile moisture-retentive soil with good organic content; ‘Karl Foerster’ can tolerate clay.

Pests/Diseases: Susceptible to rust diseases in hot humid climates with poor air circulation. As with most grasses, if voles inhabit your area they can be a problem consuming roots and crowns.

Dividing/Transplanting:  Calamagrostis brachytricha is a warm season grass that should be divided or transplanted in spring. ‘Karl Foerster’ and other cool season growers can be divided or transplanted in either spring or fall.

End-of-Season Care:  Leave standing for winter interest. Cut down to 4-6” in early spring or if plant looks under the weather. Chopped up dried foliage makes good mulch.