How to Plant and Grow Feather Reed Grass (2024)

While other ornamental grasses tend to arch outward, feather reed grass forms dense, erect clumps of narrow green leaves that send up stiff flowering stalks in the summer. The narrow blossoms open slightly in the fall to become feathery plumes of seed heads that wave softly in the breeze. The plants will often hold onto the plumes past fall, which adds wonderful winter interest to a garden. The seed heads also look great in cut-flower arrangements.

Where to Plant Feather Reed Grass

With its tall, narrow stalks, feather reed grass looks best among other perennials and grasses. The ideal location for feather reed grass is a spot that receives sun in the morning and light shade during the hot afternoon hours. The plant does not have any specific requirements in terms of soil quality or texture. It grows in moderately acidic to alkaline soil.

This tall ornamental grass adds a stunning vertical architectural element to any landscape, even in winter. Industrial areas like street medians and parking lots often feature this plant because it’s easy to grow and doesn’t require much maintenance to retain its sculpted appearance.

How and When to Plant Feather Reed Grass

You can plant feather reed grass in the spring or fall. Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball with a depth a little less than the root ball's height. Place the grass in the hole and backfill it with soil. Water well and keep it moist until the grass is established. Space plants 2 to 3 feet apart.

Feather Reed Grass Care Tips

Feather reed grass is an easy-care ornamental grass that wows every month of the year.

Light

Feather reed grass can grow in full sun but does best with some afternoon shade, especially in a warm climate. In too much shade, however, it becomes floppy.

Soil and Water

Feather reed grass is one of few ornamental grasses that tolerates moist to almost wet soils. This makes the plant a great option for rain gardens or boggy areas. And unlike many other ornamental grasses, it does well in heavier clay soils.The soil's pH should be between 6.0 and 8.0.

Plant this grass in well-drained, fertile, rich, consistently moist soil. Once established, feather reed grass can tolerate occasional droughts.

Temperature and Humidity

Feather reed grass is a cool-season grass that can survive subzero winters down to Zone 3 but does not do well in hot climates. The plant can tolerate humidity if there is sufficient air circulation around the plant.

Fertilizer

Generally, feather reed grass does not need much fertilizer. However, if it’s planted in poor, infertile soil, the grass benefits from a springtime application of a complete slow-release granular fertilizer. For the amount to use, follow product label instructions.

Pruning

Because of its sturdy upright growth, feather reed grass adds a dramatic accent to winter landscapes, especially when its plumes are left intact. Wait until late winter or early spring to cut it back 2 to 3 inches above the crown to make room for new growth.

Potting and Repotting Feather Reed Grass

Feather reed grass makes a good container plant if you keep it in a location where it is protected from strong winds and cannot get knocked over. Plant the grass in a container with large drainage holes, filling it with potting mix and compost. Keep in mind that potted plants, unlike plants in the landscape, need frequent watering and fertilizer.

Repot the grass in a larger container with fresh potting mix and compost when the clump has filled the container.

Pests and Problems

Feather reed grass is not bothered by any serious diseases or pests. In wet weather conditions, it might be affected by rusts. These plant diseases caused by fungi usually disappear when the wet period ends. Feather reed grass is relatively deer-resistant.

How to Propagate Feather Reed Grass

Like other ornamental grasses, feather reed grass is propagated by division (the seeds are sterile). Divide this grass in early spring just as new growth emerges. If you haven’t done so, shear off last year's growth. Using a spade, slice into the soil about an inch away from the clump and make a slice straight down through the clump to cut off a manageable section. Lift it out of the ground with all its roots and replant it in a new location at the same depth as the original plant.

Types of Feather Reed Grass

'Karl Foerster' Feather Reed Grass

Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' is a variety that was named perennial plant of the year in 2001. Initially rose-colored, later brown feathery flower spikes rise above clumps of green foliage 18 to 24 inches tall in Zones 4-9.

'Overdam' Feather Reed Grass

Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Overdam' is a cultivar whose foliage has variegated yellow margins and red-brown, feathery summer plumes that turn golden in the fall. The stalks can reach a height of 6 feet in Zones 4-9.

'Avalanche' Feather Reed Grass

Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Avalanche' is another variety with variegated foliage. The foliage has white centers and green margins. The stalks turn golden in the fall and the colorful plumes last into the winter. It grows 3 to 4 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide in Zones 4-9.

Feather Reed Grass Companion Plants

Coneflower

Coneflower blooms from summer to fall and looks lovely in many garden settings. Echinacea purpurea, the purple coneflower, is the most commonly found species. Its big blooms boast a brownish-orange central cone and a ring of long, slender, pinkish-purple petals.The sun-loving perennial thrives in Zones 3-9.

Coreopsis

There are many types of coreopsis in both perennial and annual forms. The tough plant sports blooms of many colors including yellow, pink, red, and orange. Coreopsis is a low-maintenance plant that should be grown in an area that receives lots of sun—perennial varieties are hardy in Zones 3-9.

Blazing Star

Blazing star (Liatris) is an enchanting prairie plant that attracts butterflies and other pollinators. The perennial sprouts wands of purplish-pink blooms, and its grass-like foliage adds interesting texture to the garden. Blazing star is hardy in Zones 3-9 and is relatively deer-resistant.

Garden Plan for Feather Reed Grass

Low-Water Garden Plan

This garden plan combines water-wise plants that thrive in dry, sunny conditions. Crested iris, sweet alyssum, lamb's ear, feather reed grass, and Japanese barberry are a few of the easy-care, drought-tolerant plants in the landscape blueprint.