What Is Feather Reed Grass

Ornamental grasses can bring wonderful texture, movement, and structure to a garden. Feather reed grass is especially useful when you want to add a strong vertical element to the landscape. These graceful grasses offer visual interest throughout much of the year while requiring very little maintenance. In most cases, ornamental reed grasses only need attention a few times annually, making them an excellent choice for gardeners who want impressive results without a lot of extra work.

What Is Feather Reed Grass?

Feather reed grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora) is a clumping ornamental grass available in several cultivated varieties. Although it loses its foliage during winter, it is among the earliest ornamental grasses to produce fresh growth in spring. Mature plants generally reach about 3 to 5 feet (1 to 1.5 meters) in height.

During June, the plant develops tall flower stems topped with blooms that begin green and gradually take on purple or pink tones. Within a short time, the flower heads develop into grain-like seed structures. These attractive seed heads can remain standing through much of the winter before gradually breaking apart and dispersing from the stems.

Growing Feather Reed Grass

Feather reed grass grows well in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 9 and adapts easily to a wide range of growing conditions. It can perform in areas ranging from moist to relatively dry, and it tolerates both full sun and partial shade.

For the strongest growth, select a location with fertile, consistently moist soil. However, feather reed grass is remarkably adaptable and can also survive in poorer, drier soil. It is even capable of growing successfully in heavy clay.

The plants can be divided during late winter or early spring. Growing feather reed grass from seed is generally not worthwhile because the seeds are usually sterile and have poor germination.

Feather Reed Grass Care

One of the main advantages of feather reed grass is how little maintenance it requires. The plants rarely experience serious pest or disease problems, and they can tolerate a variety of soil and environmental conditions. These qualities make them particularly suitable for city gardens as well as container growing.

Newly planted grasses need regular watering while they establish their root systems. Once mature, however, feather reed grass can tolerate extended periods without rainfall. If the soil lacks nutrients, apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to encourage healthy growth.

Old foliage should be cut back in preparation for new spring growth so that fresh leaves can emerge clearly from the crown. Mature plants can also be divided after approximately three years. Dividing them helps maintain vigorous growth and provides additional plants for the garden.

When to Prune Feather Reed Grass

Gardeners have different opinions about the best season for cutting back deciduous ornamental grasses. Some prefer pruning in autumn after the flower heads have faded and the plants begin to look untidy. Others leave the old foliage and flower stems in place throughout winter because they provide additional protection for the crown during cold weather.

If you choose to leave the plants standing over winter, remove the old material around February or March, before the new growth begins.

There is no single required pruning method as long as the old stems and foliage are removed before fresh shoots emerge. A hedge trimmer or sturdy grass shears can be used to cut the previous season's growth down to approximately 3 to 5 inches (8 to 13 cm) above ground level.

Regularly removing the old growth keeps feather reed grass neat and attractive while giving the new foliage and flower stems plenty of room to develop. This simple maintenance step also helps the plant produce the tall, graceful appearance that makes it such a valuable ornamental grass.