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Calamagrostis varia (Colorful reed grass)
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1 hour care
per year
per year
1.2m
Max height
Max height
1.2m
Max spread
Max spread
2-5 years
To maturity
To maturity
Plant details
Botanical name
Calamagrostis varia
Other names
Colorful reed grass
Genus
Calamagrostis Calamagrostis
Species
C. varia - C. varia is a clump-forming, deciduous, perennial grass with upright to arching, flat, linear, bright green leaves, and, in summer, upright stems bearing narrow panicles of dark purple-brown flower spikelets spreading out and turning pale pink to cream over time.
Calamagrostis varia is: Deciduous
Habit
Clump-forming
Flower
Dark-purple, Pale-pink in Summer; Cream, Pale-pink in Autumn
Foliage
Bright-green in Spring; Bright-green in Summer; Bright-green in Autumn
How to care
Watch out for
Rust Rust
General care
Pruning
Cut back old stems to the ground in early spring before growth resumes.
Propagation methods
Division
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Where to grow
Calamagrostis varia (Colorful reed grass) will reach a height of 1.2m and a spread of 1.2m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
City, Cottage/Informal, Beds and borders, Low Maintenance, Architectural, Prairie planting, Foliage only
Cultivation
Will grow in most moist, humus-rich, fertile, well-drained soils. Will not tolerate very poor soil.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
South, East, West
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
Companion plants
We do not currently have companion plants added for this plant.
Botanical name
Calamagrostis varia
Other names
Colorful reed grass
Genus
Calamagrostis Calamagrostis
Species
C. varia - C. varia is a clump-forming, deciduous, perennial grass with upright to arching, flat, linear, bright green leaves, and, in summer, upright stems bearing narrow panicles of dark purple-brown flower spikelets spreading out and turning pale pink to cream over time.
Native to
Europe
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump-forming
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Colour
Flower
Dark-purple, Pale-pink in Summer; Cream, Pale-pink in Autumn
Foliage
Bright-green in Spring; Bright-green in Summer; Bright-green in Autumn
How to care
Watch out for
Specific diseases
General care
Pruning
Cut back old stems to the ground in early spring before growth resumes.
Propagation methods
Division
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Calamagrostis varia (Colorful reed grass) will reach a height of 1.2m and a spread of 1.2m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
City, Cottage/Informal, Beds and borders, Low Maintenance, Architectural, Prairie planting, Foliage only
Cultivation
Will grow in most moist, humus-rich, fertile, well-drained soils. Will not tolerate very poor soil.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
South, East, West
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
USDA zones
Zone 10, Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types) | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Moist but well-drained, Well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Partial Shade, Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | South, East, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Exposed, Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Hardy (H4) | Tell us... |
ARTICLES WITH THIS PLANT
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