Feather reed grass is an ornamental grass that stays upright year round with dense clumps of tall and narrow green leaves, pink-purple flower spikes in the summer, and tan or golden seeds in the fall and early winter. Feather reed grass has a moderate growth rate and does well in cooler climates, though it can survive more heat once established. This ornamental grass can be planted in spring or fall and prefers rich, moist soil with full sun and temperatures no higher than 105 degrees.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Calamagrostis × acutiflora, called feather reed-grass, is a naturally occurring hybrid species of grass in the genus Calamagrostis, occasionally found in Europe and Asia. Its cultivar ‘Karl Foerster’ has gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.
It is a hybrid of Calamagrostis arundinacea and Calamagrostis epigejos, both widespread Eurasian species.
Feather reed grass is a deciduous, perennial plant known for its attractive foliage.
It features clumps of long narrow bright green leaves, which grow up to 18” to 36” inches in height.
The leaves of calamagrostis x acutiflora Karl Foerster feather reed grass, the most popular cultivar of feather reed grass, grow up to 3’ feet tall.
The foliage is arching and shiny and makes a beautiful display on its own, but looks even more beautiful when it is supplemented with the flowering stalks in summers.
The best time to grow the vertical feather reed grass is from May to September.
In the late summer, this handsome ornamental grass produces long flower stems from a central clump.
The flower stems grow beyond the leaves reaching up to the height of 5’ feet and bear spikes/ inflorescences of feathery flowers.
The plumes have a pinkish-purple tinge and last till the fall; the long bloom time is another reason for the plant’s popularity.
The seed heads initially have a golden color, but turn tan when they get mature.
The seeds are winter hardy, but sterile, which means the plant cannot self-seed.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
Feather reed grass grows best in full sun, meaning at least six hours of direct sunlight on most days. However, it does appreciate some shade from the harsh afternoon sun, especially in the warmer parts of its growing zones. But if it gets too much shade, it won’t flower as profusely, the leaves can get floppy, and the plant overall will be on the smaller side.
Temperature and Humidity
The plant is regarded as a cool-season grass and doesn’t care for intense heat. It should be planted in temperatures below 75 degrees Fahrenheit so it has time to establish a root system, which will take in moisture before the hot weather arrives. Feather reed grass can survive temperatures below freezing. However, in the northern parts of its growing zones, it can be helpful to put a layer of mulch over the plant to insulate it over the winter. Humidity typically isn’t an issue for feather reed grass as long as there is good air circulation around the plant.
Watering
Feather reed grass has moderate watering needs. Water it often, but not too deeply— whenever the soil feels dry about an inch or two down. Watering once or twice a week will suffice. Increase the frequency in extreme heat. Mature ornamental grasses do have some drought tolerance, but soil that is too dry will result in a plant that doesn’t reach its full growth potential.
Soil
This grass tolerates a wide range of soil types. While rich, consistently moist, well-draining soil is best, it can tolerate heavy clay soil and wet areas of the landscape such as on the bank of a pond.
Fertilizing
Feather reed grass typically doesn’t require any supplemental fertilizer, but organic mulch and compost mixed into the soil can be beneficial for added nutrients. If you have poor soil, apply a balanced all-purpose plant food in the spring following the label instructions.
Pruning
Since this grass still looks neat into winter and can provide interest with the seed heads, most growers wait until late winter or early spring to cut their feather reed grass to the ground. Shear it back just before new growth appears, so you don’t accidentally prune any new foliage. Use sterilized pruning shears or a hedge trimmer to cut the previous season’s growth to a few inches above the soil line.
Propagation
Feather reed grass needs to be propagated by division every three to five years. While it won’t spread uncontrollably in the landscape, a clump will continue to get larger through the rhizomes that spread underground. The clump will need to be divided once it’s so large that sunlight and airflow won’t reach its center. Here’s how:
- Using a shovel, dig up the clump of grass down to its roots.
- Gently pull apart smaller clumps of grass, keeping as many roots intact as possible. You can use clean, sharp gardening shears if needed.
- In your new planting location, dig separate holes at the same depth that the plant’s roots were previously growing.
- Replant your feather reed grass in the new holes.
- Water and care for the grass as usual.
- How to Grow Feather Reed Grass From Seed
- Feather reed grass is usually not grown or propagated from its seeds. Because the plant is a hybrid, the seeds are sterile and they won’t germinate. Sterile seeds also mean that you won’t have problems with your feather reed grass spreading invasively.
Potting and Repotting
Feather reed grass is a good ornamental grass for containers, and it can easily become a focal point on a patio or deck that is protected from the harsh sun. Regardless of whether the pot is glazed or unglazed, make sure the soil is well-draining and there are adequate drainage holes in the container. Opt for a clay pot to aid drainage further. Make sure the pot is wide and deep enough for the root system and to accommodate a few years of growth before the need to repot a large plant.
Pests and Diseases
Common Pests & Plant Diseases
Feather reed grass rarely has issues with pests or diseases. You may encounter aphids or spider mites, which are easily eliminated with insecticidal soap.
Watch out for fungal rust, which appears as discoloration on the foliage and can arise from long rainy spells. A fungicide can be helpful, but prevention by ensuring good air circulation around the grass is key.
Common Problems
Once established, feather reed grass is fairly low-maintenance. Although it is one of the easiest ornamental grasses to grow and maintain, there can be a couple of issues to watch for. Here are two problems you may encounter:
Browning Tips
If the tips of your feather reed grass turn brown, the plant may be underwatered or over-fertilized. It is likely not overwatered, as this type of grass usually doesn’t mind boggy soil.
No Plumes
If your feather reed grass is not growing gorgeous plumes, it’s not getting enough sunlight. Another reason for grass without plumes may be that the soil has too much nitrogen. Amend the soil with high phosphorus fertilizer or bone meal.
III. Uses and Benefits
Feather reed grass is an ornamental plant highly prized for its undemanding nature, ease of growth, attractive green foliage color, early blooming, and long-lasting plumes.
Due to its distinctive shape and growing pattern, the plant makes an excellent focal point in gardens and is also a popular choice for borders and narrow spaces in landscapes.
It also makes a wonderful backdrop for flowering plants and is also widely grown at the banks of ponds and streams.
The feathery plumes of C. acutiflora are showy and hence, used as cut flowers, in both fresh and dried forms, in flower arrangements.
IV. Types of Feather Reed Grass
There are a few popular varieties of feather reed grass:
- Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’: This species is known for its neat, vertical growth habit and pink-purple to red-bronze flower spikes.
- Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Overdam’: This variety has white variegated leaves and white flowers, and it grows 2 to 3 feet tall.
- Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Avalanche’: The Avalanche variety has yellow variegated leaves and golden-brown flowers and also grows 2 to 3 feet tall.
Find Where to Buy the Best Feather Reed Grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora)
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