Calamagrostis brachytricha (Reed Grass)

Sparkling in the morning dew with its large arrow-like flower heads pointing towards the sky, Reed Grass (Calamagrostis brachytricha) is a majestic and distinct ornamental grass, highly valued for its erect feathery silvery gray flower plumes, slightly red-tinged, and turning to gold then light tan as the seeds ripen in the fall and winter. As noted by Neil Lucas, few plants can transform their appearance as magnificently as ornamental grasses when backlit. Reed Grass is one of them, with its flowers glowing in the sunlight. A great favorite of many gardeners who are looking for decorative grasses.

• Calamagrostis brachytricha is a slowly-spreading perennial grass that provides beautiful vertical lines up to 3-4 ft. tall (90-120 cm) consisting of a 2 ft. (60 cm) mound of arching, glossy-green leaves that turn yellow in fall. They are topped from late summer to winter with 4 feet high (120 cm) pinkish-purple fluffy plumes.
• Use as a specimen plant in large borders or massed. Excellent for moist spots near ponds or streams, superb as a backdrop, and mixes well with colorful, blooming perennials. Looks good as cut flowers too! Excellent choice for woodland plantings as it tolerates shade pretty well.
• Performs best in full sun or part shade, in average, medium to wet soils. Does well in heavy clay soils.
• Won the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society (2006) for its noteworthy qualities.
• Deer and rabbit resistant
• Requires little maintenance. Cut clumps to the ground in late winter just before new growth appears. This grass will not self-seed in the garden because seeds are sterile.