Also known as Feather Reed Grass · 1.1k saves
Calamagrostis
Calamagrostis, the genus most gardeners know as feather reed grass. We track 11 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 9 most-saved Calamagrostis varieties
Browse all 11 Calamagrostis varieties →
4 species of Calamagrostis
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Calamagrostis in Sow
Save the Calamagrostis you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Calamagrostis
Whats common across all Calamagrostis varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 11 most-grown of them.
The Calamagrostis year
- DivideMarch, April and September100% of varieties
Divide large, congested clumps every 3-5 years to maintain vigor.
- PruneJanuary and February55% of varieties
Cut back foliage to a few inches above ground in late winter or early spring.
- PlantMarch, April, August and September36% of varieties
Plant containerized grass in spring or early fall.
- Spring CleanupJanuary and February36% of varieties
Cut back old foliage and spent plumes to 4-6 inches before new growth emerges.
Do
- Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
- Divide clumps every 3-4 years to maintain vigor
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring
- Water during dry spells 🌱
- Divide in early spring to rejuvenate
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering which can cause root rot ❌
- Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot ❌
- Refrain from heavy fertilization late in the season
- Avoid overwatering in winter ❌
What goes wrong with Calamagrostis
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Generally pest-free | No significant insect damage is typical | Monitor only; no routine treatment needed |
| Rust | Orange pustules on leaves | Apply copper fungicide and remove affected foliage |
| Fungal rust | Orange pustules on leaves | Apply copper fungicide and improve air circulation |
Making more Calamagrostis
Division
- Dig up mature clump in early spring
- Separate into smaller sections with roots intact
- Plant immediately in prepared soil
- Water thoroughly and mulch
Seed
- Sow seeds in fall or cold stratify for 60 days.
- Press seeds lightly into the soil surface as they need light to germinate.
- Keep the soil consistently moist.
- Germination can be slow and sporadic.
Calamagrostis questions
How many types of Calamagrostis are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 11 distinct Calamagrostis varieties. The most popular — ranked by 1.1k real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Calamagrostis grow in?
Across its varieties, Calamagrostis covers USDA Zones 4–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Calamagrostis bloom?
Most Calamagrostis varieties bloom in late summer, early summer, mid-summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Calamagrostis should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.