Height:

4.0 Feet

Spread:

3.0 Feet

Hardiness Zones:

4,5,6,7,8,9

Flower Color:

Purple shades Tan shades

Foliage Color:

Green shades

Sunlight:

Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun) Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun)

Water Requirements:

Average Water Needs Consistent Water Needs

Soil Quality:

Average Soil Quality Fertile Soil Quality

Soil Chemistry:

Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0) Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0)

Bloomtime:

Late Summer Early Fall

Critter Resistant:

Deer Resistant

Seasonal Interest:

Dried Seed Heads Fall Color

Growth Rate:

Medium

Garden Style:

Asian Eclectic Woodland Shade

Other Features:

Border Plant Cut Flower Cut Foliage Dried Flower Easy To Grow Attractive Foliage Mass Planting

Origin:

Not Native to North America

This species of Calamagrostis is shade tolerant, a rare trait for a large flowering grass.  It occurs naturally in moist, deciduous woodlands and therefore is adapted to grow and bloom in partial shade.  It also grows very well in full sun where the habit will be tighter and the flowering will be more profuse.  Soil should be average to consistently moist.  It will adapt to any type of soil from sand to clay.  This plant will self-sow in moist, shady areas to a minor extent but it is easily managed.  Divide clumps or move seedlings in spring to propagate.

Growing Temperature:

55-65° F

Holding Temperature:

45-55° F

Soil PH:

5.8-6.5

EC (What is EC?):

2.0-3.0 pour through method

Fertility:

Moderate to heavy feeder.
100-200 ppm N at each irrigation.

Vernalization:

Cold required for 10-12 weeks at temperatures below 40 degrees F.

Pests & Diseases:

Avoid growing too wet as this can lead to crown and root rots.

Potting & Timing:

Calamagrostis is a cool season grass, meaning it begins to grow as soon as the temperature rises above freezing in the spring. Best planting times are in the spring and early fall.

NOTE: Calamagrostis brachytricha is a warm season grass and should only be planted when temperatures are 68 degrees or warmer. Plant these in early summer for best results.

Moisture:

Use a well drained media. Keep moderately moist.

Planting Level:

Plant the crown level with the soil line.

Lighting:

Requires long days for flowering.

Other Comments:

This is a cool season, clumping grass with an erect growth habit. It prefers full sun and can tolerate a heavy clay-based soil. It does not re-seed. 'Karl Foerster' was voted Perennial Plant of the Year in 2001.

Download Large Benchcard

Download Small Benchcard