Calamagrostis

Description

Calamagrostis is a genus of approximately 260 species of ornamental grasses that are native to temperate regions of the world. These grasses are highly valued for their elegant, feathery plumes that sway beautifully in the breeze. Calamagrostis is commonly known as reed grass or feather reed grass, and it is a popular choice for adding texture, height, and movement to garden beds, borders, and containers. Some varieties of Calamagrostis can grow up to 6 feet tall, making them ideal for providing privacy or creating a dramatic backdrop in the landscape.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Calamagrostis is a clump-forming grass that typically grows in upright tufts. The leaves are narrow and linear, and they can be either flat or rolled. The stems are tall and slender, and they are topped with feathery plumes that can range in color from beige to pink to purple. The plumes emerge in the summer and persist into the winter, providing year-round interest. Some popular varieties of Calamagrostis include ‘Karl Foerster’, ‘Overdam’, and ‘Avalanche’.

Care Guide

Calamagrostis is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to grow in most garden settings. Here are some tips for caring for Calamagrostis:Water: Calamagrostis prefers evenly moist soil, but it can tolerate some drought once established. Water deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering in the fall.Fertilization: Calamagrostis does not require fertilization, but you can apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in the spring to encourage growth.Soil: Calamagrostis prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including clay and sandy soil.Sunlight: Calamagrostis prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but it may not flower as well in low light conditions.Hardiness Zones: Calamagrostis is hardy in USDA zones 4-9.

Common Pests & Diseases

Calamagrostis is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be susceptible to rust, a fungal disease that causes orange or brown spots on the leaves. Rust can be treated with a fungicide, but it is best prevented by planting Calamagrostis in well-drained soil and avoiding overhead watering. Calamagrostis can also be affected by spider mites and aphids, which can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Habitat

Calamagrostis is native to temperate regions of the world, including Europe, Asia, and North America. It grows in a variety of habitats, including meadows, prairies, and wetlands. Calamagrostis is an important component of many native grassland ecosystems, where it provides food and habitat for a variety of wildlife species.

Question and Answer

Q: Is Calamagrostis a good choice for erosion control?
A: Yes, Calamagrostis has deep roots that can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion.Q: Can Calamagrostis be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Calamagrostis is well-suited to container gardening, as long as the container is large enough to accommodate its root system.Q: How do you propagate Calamagrostis?
A: Calamagrostis can be propagated by division in the spring or fall. Simply dig up the clump and separate it into smaller sections, then replant each section in a new location.Q: How often should you prune Calamagrostis?
A: Calamagrostis does not require regular pruning, but you can trim back the dead foliage and plumes in the late winter or early spring to make way for new growth.

Related Plants

• Molinia
• Panicum
• Pennisetum
• Sorghastrum
• Sporobolus

References

• “Calamagrostis.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 5 August 2021. <https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=g860>
• “Feather Reed Grass.” National Gardening Association. Accessed 5 August 2021. <https://garden.org/plants/group/feather-reed-grasses/>
• “Calamagrostis.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed 5 August 2021. <https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/Search-Results?form-mode=true&query=calamagrostis>