Korean feather reed grass: feathers for your garden
(Calamagrostis brachytricha) is a great addition to your garden for fall interest. It puts on a show after many other plants have quit for the season. Korean feather reed grass produces large (12”) plumes with a pink tinge in August, and matures to a tan color. These plumes can be cut and used in dried arrangements.
The leaves grow to 36” tall and the plumes are held above the leaves to a height of 48”. The base of the slow spreading mound will be about 15” across. While it’s in bloom the clump can reach 24” across. Korean feather reed Grass’s growth habit and feathery plumes are more rounded and fuller than other more common (and often over used) Calamagrostis varieties.
Korean feather reed grass likes full sun or partial shade. It is native to moist woodlands of central and eastern Asia, and it tolerates heavy clay soil which helps keep the roots moist. While Korean feather reed grass will go quite dry, it does need additional irrigation at times in the Denver area. Cut it to the ground in early spring for nice fresh look for the new season.
The leaves will eventually turn to a bright yellow late in the fall. Pair Korean feather reed grass with other great fall blooming plants like Plant Select®’s Zauschneria ORANGE CARPET® or even some fall blooming asters like ‘Purple Dome’, or just put a nice selection of pumpkins around it for a great fall display.
View the plant profile here. Or watch the video here.
Height: 32-40”
Width: 20-24”
Blooms: August to December
Sun: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Moisture: Moderate to dry
Hardiness: USDA zones 4-9
Culture: Clay, loam or sandy soil
Thanks to Shalene Hiller, City of Westminster, for writing this piece.
Do Korean Feather reed grass transplant successfully? I’d like to move mine to a better location in my yard. Also, what time is better for transplanting them in Northern Colorado? Spring or Fall?
Yes they will if you move and/or divide them in early spring. Happy planting!
Thanks! We love this plant and can’t wait to buy more for our yard.