Calamagrostis Foxtail Grass

A grandiose, upright grass with huge plumes that majestically change from silver to purple and pink, then tan and butterscotch. These soft ‘tails’ cry out to be touched and create the most gorgeous movement in the garden. If a sunset or sunrise catches them, you almost can’t help but sigh at their beauty. They really do offer sensational value as they can be left to stand through the seasons. Of course, for florists these plumes are highly sought and can even be dried.

Calamagrostis brachytricha holds the prestigious RHS Award of Garden Merit so you know it can be relied upon for beauty and ease of care.

Try growing Foxtail Grass as part of a border, as a specimen, by a pond, anywhere you can fit them! A woodland plant at heart, they can grow in a part shade to dappled light position. But it is in the full sun that they really shine, with increased blooms and a more verdant form.

The superb, green, upright to arching foliage is a year round feature, but looks even better with an annual late winter/early spring hair cut to allow the new leaves to shine. In autumn, the glossy green foliage turns the sensational colour of straw.

Plant Calamagrostis brachytricha in moderately fertile to humus rich, well drained soil. It is also versatile and adaptable it doesn’t mind boggy soil and heavy clay is ok too – it is endemic to the moist woodlands of Korea. Water to establish, then only if rainfall is low. Suitable for growing in containers. It will spread slowly and is sterile so does not set seed.

Other common names for Calamagrostis brachytricha include Foxtail Grass, Korean Feather Reed Grass, Reed Grass. It is also known as C. arundinacea var. brachytricha.