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Stiffly upright plumes of feather reed grass as vertical accent in a borderOrnamental grasses

Calamagrostis x acutiflora

Feather Reed Grass

ornamental grassvertical accentwinter structuremodern gardenlow-maintenance

Feather Reed Grass is an elegant, stiffly upright ornamental grass with narrow, plume-like flower heads that appear in summer and fade to beige in autumn. Its compact, columnar silhouette makes it perfect as a vertical accent in borders and as a repeating element in modern gardens.

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Characteristics

Sun
Full sun, Partial shade
Water
Medium
Height
100–180 cm
Spread
50–75 cm
Hardiness zone
4–9
Family
Poaceae
Evergreen
No
Flower colors
beige
Wildlife value
birds

Bloom period

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Care guide

Plant in full sun or partial shade in ordinary garden soil. Adaptable, tolerating both dry and moist conditions. No fertiliser needed. Water regularly in the first year. Forms neat clumps and does not spread aggressively.

Pruning tips

Cut back old foliage and plumes in late winter or early spring (February-March) to about 15 cm above ground. Leave plumes standing all winter for structure. Division is seldom needed but possible in spring.

Good companions

Silvery-white plumes of Chinese Silver Grass swaying in autumn windOrnamental grasses

Miscanthus sinensis

Chinese Silver Grass

Chinese Silver Grass is a striking ornamental grass that adds structure to any garden with its tall plumes and gracefully arching leaves. Silvery-white plumes appear from August to October and catch the autumn and winter light beautifully. The dried grass remains attractive throughout winter.

Full sunMedium150–250 cm
Pink-purple coneflower with orange-brown cone in a sunny borderPerennials

Echinacea purpurea

Purple Coneflower

Purple Coneflower is a sturdy perennial with distinctive pink-purple petals surrounding an orange-brown cone. The flowers appear from July to September and are a magnet for butterflies and bees. In autumn and winter, the seed heads attract goldfinches and other seed-eating birds.

Full sunLow60–120 cm
Golden-yellow Black-eyed Susan with dark brown center in a sunny borderPerennials

Rudbeckia fulgida

Black-eyed Susan

Black-eyed Susan blooms from July through October with radiant golden-yellow petals surrounding a dark brown center. The plant is virtually indestructible, spreads gradually, and suits large borders and prairie-style gardens. After flowering, the seed heads provide food for birds.

Full sunLow60–90 cm