JENNY’S FAVOURITE GRASSES

Tall and feathery

Feather reed grasses

Calamagrostis x acutiflora, C brachytricha These have a distinct, upright form, and rich, glossy green foliage. The loose feathery flower plumes in late summer tend to have a light purplish-pink blush. The flowers age to tan as they dry and stay intact into winter.

Calamagrostis plants are clumpforming and vigorous, but they will not take over a border.

They prefer average to moist, well-drained soil in full sun. They will tolerate dry soil.

HOW TO USE IT

Calamagrostis is a wonderful vertical contrast among tall or short, mounded perennial plants. It works well with a range of flower and foliage colours. You can use it to divide or enclose an area, for example a deck or border, without giving it a ‘heavy’ look.

JENNY’S RECOMMENDATIONS

C x acutiflora Karl Foester Height: 120-180cm Upright, with vertical flower heads in late summer, best at the back of a border as only the top half is ornamental. It is sterile, so won’t self-seed and has to be grown by division.

C x acutiflora Overdam

Height: 75-90cm The variegated leaves create a grey-green effect, lovely with white or yellow-flowering companions.

C brachytricha

Height: 90-120cm, up to 150cm in flower Very drought-tolerant.