Description
Calamagrostis brachytricha | Korean feather reed grass
The elegant Calamagrostis brachytricha, commonly known as Korean feather reed grass or purple reedgrass, is a prized ornamental grass native to the meadows of Central to Eastern Asia. It is celebrated for its feathery inflorescences that offer visual delight from late summer through winter. With a clumping and upright growth habit, this species adds structure and movement to any garden space.
Calamagrostis brachytricha can be used effectively as a border plant, in group plantings, or as a striking solitary feature.
Key features of Calamagrostis brachytricha
The Korean feather reed grass boasts a number of distinctive features that make it a favorite among gardeners and landscape designers:
- The plant exhibits a lush green foliage throughout the spring and summer, transitioning to a beautiful yellow in the autumn.
- Its flowering season spans from August to October, presenting a display of brown, white, and grey plumes that evolve into a striking purple, grey, and silver as the season progresses.
- The Calamagrostis shows a remarkable resilience, thriving in a variety of soil types provided they are well-drained.
- It reaches an ultimate height of approximately 90 cm, making it a versatile choice for many garden designs.
- This deciduous grass has a clump-forming growth manner that lends itself well to multiplication through division, ensuring that it is not only easy to propagate but also maintains its vitality.
Tips for cultivating Calamagrostis brachytricha
- When planting purple reedgrass, choose a location that receives full sun to partial shade to help it flourish.
- Regular watering will help establish the plant, but once settled, it has average water needs, making it relatively low maintenance.
- For propagation, divide the plant in spring or autumn to promote healthy new growth and to rejuvenate older clumps.
- Prune back the old foliage in early spring before new growth appears to maintain a tidy appearance and to allow the fresh foliage and flowers to stand out.