How big does Korean feather reed grass grow?

About 1.2 m × 80 cm after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 0.9–1.2 m × 60–90 cm.

What soil does Korean feather reed grass grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay.

Is Korean feather reed grass hardy?

Hardy down to -34 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

When does Korean feather reed grass flower?

Flowering: August–November, pink.

How much water does Korean feather reed grass need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: low.

Korean feather reed grass

Calamagrostis brachytricha

Korean feather reed grass (Calamagrostis brachytricha) is an ornamental grass that reaches 1.2 m × 80 cm after ten years. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -34 °C. Drought tolerance: low. Sold in local shops from about €8.

Illustration of Korean 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

An ornamental grass with an arching green clump that carries large, feathery pink-grey plumes in late summer, ripening to straw colour in autumn and lasting a long time. Few tall grasses flower in part shade, but this one does, and in hot spots it actually welcomes afternoon shade. Plant it in moist soil that does not dry out; it copes well with heavy clay, but in full blazing sun it only looks good with regular watering.

Watch out for

In the hot, dry summers of Central Europe it suffers from drought in full sun without watering: it stays shorter, the leaf tips brown and it flowers less. In a favourable, moist spot it self-seeds, so pull out unwanted seedlings; a thick mulch reduces this. Some of the plumes can fall apart by early winter. Cut it to the ground in late winter before new growth starts. It has no known serious pests or diseases.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 1.2 m × 80 cm
Hardiness: down to -34 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D August–November, pink

Group	Ornamental grass
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	1.2 m × 80 cm
Ultimate size	0.9–1.2 m × 60–90 cm
Hardiness	down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	August–November, pink
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Low
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no data
Spreading	Medium
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	70 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	no data
Typical price	from about €8

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
size not stated	approx. €8

Frequently asked questions

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

Appears in these lists

Ornamental grasses Plants with autumn colour Ornamental grasses with autumn colour

Looks good next to it

Wintercreeper

Euonymus fortunei

Portugal laurel

Prunus lusitanica

David viburnum

Viburnum davidii