Calamagrostis arundinacea

Also Known As

Achnatherum brachytricha
Achnatherum brachytrichum
Calamagrostis arundinacea var. brachytricha
Calamagrostis brachytricha
Calamagrostis x acut. ' Brachytrica '
Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Brachytrica'
Stipa brachytricha
Achy Breaky Heart Grass
Diamond Grass
Fall Blooming Reed Grass
Korean Feather Reed Grass
Reed Grass

Plant type

perennial, grass / grass like

size

H: 24"-48"
W: 12"-36"

planting zones

4a-9b

More Options

Calamagrostis arundinacea plant details

Calamagrostis arundinacea is a deciduous perennial grass (or grassy in appearance) with green foliage. In fall and summer pink and tan flowers emerge. Features grassy texture. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and regular water. Prefers to be dry in summer. Does well in average, clay and gritty soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Calamagrostis arundinacea

Plant type: perennial grass (or grassy in appearance)
Plant family: poaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 12 IN - 36 IN - wide, 24 IN - 48 IN - tall
Flowers: pink and tan blooms in fall and summer
Uses: border plant, clumping, container plant, easy-to-grow, fall interest, hedge, rock garden, winter interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Calamagrostis arundinacea

USDA Zones: 4a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: regular
Resistant to: deer, verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average, clay and gritty

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Calamagrostis brachytricha is a superlative, yet lesser-known, clump-forming grass with bright green leaves reaching about two feet tall. In late summer it shines with thick plumes of silver-pink on stems to three to four feet tall. The plumes fade to cream and then, along with the foliage, to straw colour, both remaining attractive through winter. A graceful addition for full sun down to, surprisingly, part shade where it will still bloom! If you've walked the High Line in New York City in late summer and fall, Korean feather reed grass is used to great effect there.

By: Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

Warmed by rosy maroon plumes, Calamagrostis brachytricha is native to the moist woodlands of eastern Asia. The inflorescences stay open and feathery, even when they dry, and eventually pale to an elegant silvery gray. Magical both in an arrangement or outside when the wind blows, the panicles leap from a clump of glossy green, upright and arching blades. This warm season grass exhibits a smaller stature, making it well suited for a container.

By: Digging Dog Nursery

An elegant clump-forming grass that offers a fine alternative to Karl Foerster grass. With feathery summer flowers and attractive fall and winter presence, this grass suits a variety of sites and conditions. Perennial. Clay, sandy soil or loam. USDA zones 4-9 (up to 8,000').