November Perennial of the Month-Reed Grass

It’s the time of year when our gardening design focus changes from flowers and succession of blooms to winter interest that will have to last for the next four to five months. (Insert sigh here.)

If you’ve visited Missouri Botanical Garden recently, you’ve probably noticed reed grass, Calamagrostis brachytricha, massed among the other perennials and trees around the new entrance. Reed grass, sometimes called Korean feather reed grass, has unique, feathery seed heads that, in late summer, have a soft, pink tint. By November, the seed heads turn the straw color of most grasses, but the fantastic texture remains.

Reed grass is one of the few ornamental grasses that blooms well in partial shade, but full sun will give you the best results. Moist areas are preferred. This slow-spreading grass stays in a tidy clump form for a specimen plant in containers or garden beds but can be planted in large groupings to form striking visual masses like at the MBG entrance. With a height of only 3-4′ high and wide, you won’t have to worry about it becoming a monster like some other grasses. Reed grass requires a once-a-year haircut, like most other ornamental grasses in late winter/early spring.

What I love about this plant;

-An RHS Award of Merit plant. (Royal Horticultural Society)

-Well-behaved, non-invasive habit.

-Striking en-masse, or as a specimen plant.

-Tolerates black walnut.

-Tolerates heavy, clay soils.

-Low maintenance.

What’s not so great;

-Some ornamental grasses thrive in sunny, hot, and dry conditions, but Calamagrostis brachytricha does not. Keep it moist with some afternoon shade for best results.

Comments or questions? Email Garden-Lou at gardenloustl@gmail.com

Words and photos by Jo Batzer

© Jo Batzer, garden-lou.com-2024, All rights reserved.