Calamagrostis
Calamagrostis brachytricha
(Korean Feather reed grass / Silver spike or spear grass)
C & S Europe
1m high
Native to the edges of moist woodlands but grows on a range of soils
Shade or sun
Well-drained soil with even moisture
Prefers low fertility
A beautiful grass which makes a wonderful sweep when planted on mass
Flowers in September and cut down by late winter
A free flowering graceful grass with fine textured mid green foliage, showy enough for use as a specimen or fabulous in drifts
Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster'
(Karl Foerster's Feather Reed Grass)
Sometimes called 'Stricta'
Clump forming and strictly upright
The vertical inflorescences can reach up to 2m
Grows best on free-draining fertile soils, but looks good even on our solid clay
Full sun or half-shade
It is sterile so great for large-scale plantings without the fear of contaminating natural areas with thousands of seedlings
Stunning as a specimen or planted in groups
Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Overdam'
(Variegated feather reed grass)
Similar to 'Karl Foerster' but horizontally striped cream-white
Suffers in hot, humid weather - So great for those shady or colder regions