What soil does Feather reed grass grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay.

Is Feather reed grass hardy?

Hardy down to -29 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

When does Feather reed grass flower?

Flowering: June–August, pink, purple.

How much water does Feather reed grass need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: medium.

How much does Feather reed grass cost?

It sells for roughly €4.30 to €16 in local shops, depending on size.

Feather reed grass

Calamagrostis × acutiflora

Feather reed grass (Calamagrostis × acutiflora) is an ornamental grass. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -29 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Sold in local shops from about €4.30.

Illustration of Feather reed grass — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A narrow, strictly upright ornamental grass that flowers as early as the start of summer and keeps its straw-coloured stems standing all winter, so it works as a vertical accent or a seasonal screen even in a small space. It is a sterile hybrid and does not seed around; the cultivars differ in foliage and height: green-leaved 'Karl Foerster' reaches 1.5 to 1.8 m in flower, the similar 'Waldenbuch' is a little looser, while white-edged 'Overdam', 'Avalanche' with a white central stripe and gold-striped 'Eldorado' are shorter (60 to 120 cm) and less vigorous. Plant it in sun because it flops in shade; it copes well with heavy clay and with soil that is wet at times, and since it starts into growth early, cut it back in late winter.

Watch out for

It has no serious pests or diseases; rust can appear on the leaves after long rainy spells. It is a cool-season grass, so in the hot, dry summers of Central Europe growth pauses and the foliage can brown in soil that dries out without watering; there it appreciates some afternoon shade and soil that stays moist. The variegated cultivars are shorter and less vigorous than the green ones. In shade it flowers less and flops, and after heavy rain or wind the stems may lie down for a while.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 1.5 m × 60 cm
Hardiness: down to -29 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D June–August, pink, purple

Group	Ornamental grass
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	1.5 m × 60 cm
Ultimate size	0.8–1.8 m × 45–90 cm
Hardiness	down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	June–August, pink, purple
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no data
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	60 cm
For dogs	Non-toxic (uncertain)
For cats	Non-toxic (uncertain)
For children	no data
Typical price	from about €4.30

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
50-60 cm	approx. €16
size not stated	approx. €4.30 – €8.90

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 13, 2026 · How our data is made

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