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Calamagrostis x acutiflora [ ka - la - second - receipts - tis , ak - yoo - tih - FLOR - uh ] is a cross of two ornamental grasses of Calamagrostis specie – Calamagrostis arundinaceaandCalamagrostis epigejos – aboriginal to Europe and Asia .
The hybrid industrial plant from the family Poaceae is one of the most wide grownornamental forage , all over the world , and is also course found in some arena of Europe .
This cosmetic Gunter Grass species also has numerous cultivar out of whichCalamagrostis x acutiflora ‘ Karl Foerster’is most widely grown .
Some other popular varieties of the grass are :
Calamagrostis x acutiflora is name after its genus and the physique of its flowers – Calamagrostis means Walter Reed and acutiflora intend pointed flower .
However , it is generally known with the vernacular namefeather reed grassdue to its feathery flower spikes .
Feather Reed Grass Care
Size & Growth
Feather reed forage is a deciduous , perennial plant known for its attractive foliage .
It features thumping of long narrow smart green leaves , which raise up to 18 ” to 36 ” inches in height .
The leave of calamagrostis x acutiflora Karl Foerster feather reed pot , the most popular cultivar of feather reed Mary Jane , grow up to 3 ’ feet improbable .
By the way , Karl Foerster was awarded thePerennial Plant of the Year Award ® in 2001 .
The foliation is arching and bright and pass water a beautiful showing on its own , but looks even more beautiful when it is add on with the flowering stalks in summers .
The best time to grow the vertical feather reed grass is from May to September .
Flowering and Fragrance
In the late summer , this handsome ornamental locoweed produces long flower halt from a central clump .
The flower stems grow beyond the leaves reaching up to the elevation of 5 ’ feet and bear spikes/ inflorescence of feathery blossom .
The plumes have a pink - purple tinge and last till the fall ; the long bloom metre is another reasonableness for the works ’s popularity .
The seed heads initially have a golden people of colour , but sprain topaz when they get ripe .
The seeds are wintertime hardy , but sterile , which mean the works can not ego - seed .
Light & Temperature
Feather reed grass grows best in full sunshine but also grows well in partial shade .
In fact , it appreciates part spectre in very blistering weather condition .
If you live on in an surface area where the atmospheric condition tends to get really hot in summertime , make trusted you plant Calamagrostis acutiflora in partial shade and water it regularly because excessive heat and low moisture levels can cause the works to enroll summer quiescency .
However , be heedful to not plant reed grass in full shade too as it will affect both its size and form – the plants grown in full spectre tend to be smaller and a routine floppy .
The plant is wintertime hardy to USDA hardiness geographical zone 5 to 9 and sometimes also denote to as nerveless - season pasturage .
Watering and Feeding
While the plant prefer moderate watering and moist ground , it can easy brook wet soil too .
Once established , the sess cross also becomes drouth - tolerant .
On middling , watering twice a calendar week is enough for the feather reed grass .
Soil & Transplanting
The dope grow best in moist , well - draining and humus - robust ( fertile ) soil , but can tolerate a encompassing range of soils ; it even grows in fuddled , compacted , and Lucius Clay soils , which most plants can not abide .
Amending the ground with compost before planting assure maximum increase and bombastic plants .
Grooming and Maintenance
Feather reed grass is a low - care cross , but benefits from spring pruning .
Cut back the plant to about 4 ” to 5 ” inches above the ground , in early leap , to encourage new ontogenesis .
switch off the clumps back to the ground in late winter to promote fresh growth in the fountain .
Propagating Calamagrostis x Acutiflora
While feather reed pasturage produces ejaculate , they are sterile and hence , can not be used for propagation .
The best method to propagate this Calamagrostis hybrid is through plant air division .
Divide C. acutiflora in fall or spring .
For best results , prefer a exclusive matured chunk and make certain the divisions have about 5 to 6 grow points .
This check flower in the first year ; smaller variance can take two years to bloom .
Calamagrostis x Acutiflora Pest or Diseases
While the feather reed grass is n’t susceptible to any serious cuss infestations or disease , watch out for rust , especially after the showery time of year .
These ornamental supergrass also pull in dame but are deer and hare repellent .
Feather Reed Grass Uses
Feather reed grass is an cosmetic plant highly prized for its undemanding nature , ease of emergence , attractive green foliage color , early bloom , and long - lasting plume .
Due to its distinctive shape and growing pattern , the works make an first-class focal full point in garden and is also a popular choice for borders and minute spaces in landscapes .
It also makes a wonderful backdrop for flowering plants and is also wide grown at the coin bank of pond and flow .
The feathery plumes of C. acutiflora are flashy and hence , used as cut flowers , in both refreshed and dried sort , in flower arrangements .
