Calamagrostis brachytricha
Korean feather reed grass
Also known as Calamagrostis arundinacea var. brachytricha, Stipa brachytricha
- Height × spread
- 1.2m × 0.6m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
- Flowers
- Autumn
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
The flowers of this reed grass make a show in September and go on well into winter. They form shaggy looking pointed columns. A soft purple with reddish tones they become paler with time so that, by winter they are silver grey. The flower heads stand well above the grassy stems, and forms a striking feature with their soft looking upright plumes. This plant likes sun or part shade, but will need some moisture in brighter sites. It goes well in a container and it looks beautiful at the border front as well. Cut it back at the end of winter. The plant stands around 1.2m (4ft) high.
- Flower colour
- Purple, Red
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Fruit colour
- Grey
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Fan
- Height
- 1.2m
- Spread
- 0.6m
- Season of interest
- Summer, Autumn
- Flowers in
- Autumn
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Prairie garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Gravelly soil, Loam (normal), Sandy soil
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil, Dry soil, Drought resistant
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
- Borders & containers
- Borders and containers
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water in dry periods
Established plants in the ground can cope with 7-10 days of dryness, and shrubs often manage 2 to 3 weeks. Water one section of the garden thoroughly each day rather than a little everywhere. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather.
Spring - early · Planting
Prune to the ground
Cut foliage to the ground before new growth starts.
Where stems are grown for their ornamental value, old stems should be removed either before new growth starts in spring, or during winter when they begin to look ragged or untidy.
Spring - early-mid · Planting
Divide when too large
The plant can be divided if it becomes too large or another plant is required. This may involve physically dividing the clump in two, removing offsets or small bulbs or dividing rhizomes. The new plants can be grown in pots or planted in the ground.