How to Grow and Care for Feather Reed Grass

Feather reed grass is an ornamental grass that stays upright year-round with dense clumps of tall and narrow green leaves, pink-purple flower spikes in the summer, and tan or golden seeds in the fall and early winter. Feather reed grass has a moderate growth rate and does well in cooler climates, though it can survive more heat once established. This ornamental grass can be planted in spring or fall and prefers rich, moist soil with full sun and temperatures no higher than 105°F.

Feather Reed Grass Care

To grow healthy feather reed grass, follow these main care requirements:

• Plant the root ball in the ground or a container at the same depth as its original container.
• Choose an area with full sun (at least six hours a day).
• Water at least weekly when the top inch of soil begins to dry out.
• Plant in rich, moist, well-draining soil; clay soil and wet areas are also suitable.
• Plant in temperatures below 75°F.
• Add mulch in winter to insulate from freezing temperatures.
• Fertilize once in the spring.
• Add organic mulch and compost to nutrient-poor soils.
• Cut to the ground at the end of winter before new growth appears.

Light

Feather reed grass grows best in full sun, meaning at least six hours of direct sunlight on most days. However, it does appreciate some shade from the harsh afternoon sun, especially in the warmer parts of its growing zones. But if it gets too much shade, it won’t flower as profusely, the leaves can get floppy, and the plant overall will be smaller.

Soil

This grass tolerates a wide range of soil types. While rich, consistently moist, well-draining soil is best, it can tolerate heavy clay soil and wet areas of the landscape such as on the bank of a pond.

Water

Feather reed grass has moderate watering needs. Water it often, but not too deeply— whenever the soil feels dry about an inch or two down. Watering once or twice a week will suffice. Increase the frequency in extreme heat. Mature ornamental grasses do have some drought tolerance, but soil that is too dry will result in a plant that doesn’t reach its full growth potential.

Temperature and Humidity

The plant is a cool-season grass and doesn't care for intense heat. It should be planted when temperatures are below 75°F so it has time to establish a root system, which will take in moisture before the hot weather arrives. Feather reed grass can survive temperatures below freezing though laying mulch over the plant in thenorthern parts of its growing zones provides insulation during the winter. Humidity typically isn’t an issue for feather reed grass as long as there is good air circulation around the plant.

Fertilizer

Feather reed grass typically doesn’t require any supplemental fertilizer, but organic mulch and compost mixed into the soil can be beneficial for added nutrients. If you have poor soil, apply a balanced all-purpose plant food in the spring following the label instructions.

Types of Feather Reed Grass

There are a few popular varieties of feather reed grass:

• Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster': This species is known for its neat, vertical growth habit and pink-purple to red-bronze flower spikes.
• Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Overdam': This variety has white variegated leaves, and white flowers, and grows 2 to 3 feet tall.
• Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Avalanche': The Avalanche variety has yellow variegated leaves and golden-brown flowers and grows 2 to 3 feettall.
  

Pruning

Since this grass still looks neat into winter and can provide interest with the seed heads, most growers wait until late winter or early spring to cut their feather reed grass to the ground. Shear it back just before new growth appears, so you don’t accidentally prune any new foliage. Use sterilized pruning shears or a hedge trimmer to cut the previous season’s growth to a few inches above the soil line.

Propagating Feather Reed Grass

Feather reed grass needs propagation by division every three to five years. While it won’t spread uncontrollably in the landscape, a clump will continue to get larger through the rhizomes that spread underground. The clump needs division once it’s so large that sunlight and airflow won’t reach its center. Here's how:

1. Using a shovel, dig up the clump of grass down to its roots.
2. Gently pull apart smaller clumps of grass, keeping as many roots intact as possible. You can use clean, sharp gardening shears if needed.
3. In your new planting location, dig separate holes at the same depth that the plant's roots were previously growing.
4. Replant your feather reed grass in the new holes.
5. Water and care for the grass as usual.

How to Grow Feather Reed Grass From Seed

Feather reed grass is usually not grown or propagated from its seeds. Because the plant is a hybrid, the seeds are sterile and they won't germinate. Sterile seeds also mean that you won’t have problems with your feather reed grass spreading invasively.

Potting and Repotting Feather Reed Grass

Feather reed grass is a good ornamental grass for containers, and it can easily become a focal point on a patio or deck that is protected from the harsh sun. Regardless of whether the pot is glazed or unglazed, make sure the soil is well-draining and there are adequate drainage holes in the container. Opt for a clay pot to aid drainage further. Make sure the pot is wide and deep enough for the root system and to accommodate a few years of growth before the need to repot a large plant.

To repot a grass that's outgrown its current home, select a container that's one size larger and fill with fresh potting mix. Gently remove the plant, loosen the roots a bit and place in the new pot. Firm around the crown with additional soil and water well to settle the plant.

Common Pests & Plant Diseases

Feather reed grass rarely has issues with pests or diseases. You may encounter aphids or spider mites, which are easily eliminated with insecticidal soap.

Watch out for fungal rust, which appears as discoloration on the foliage and can arise from long rainy spells. A fungicide can be helpful, but prevention by ensuring good air circulation around the grass is key.

Common Problems With Feather Reed Grass

Once established, feather reed grass is fairly low-maintenance. Although it's one of the easiest ornamental grasses to grow and maintain, there can be a couple of issues to watch for. Here are two problems you may encounter:

Browning Tips

If the tips of your feather reed grass turn brown, the plant may be underwatered or over-fertilized. It is likely not overwatered, as this type of grass usually doesn't mind boggy soil.

No Plumes

If your feather reed grass is not growing gorgeous plumes, it's not getting enough sunlight. Another reason for grass without plumes may be that the soil has too much nitrogen. Amend the soil with high phosphorus fertilizer or bone meal.

From: thespruce