Soil
This grass tolerates a wide range of soil types.
Water
Feather reed grass has moderate watering needs.
Water it often, but not too deeply whenever the soil feels dry about an inch or two down.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Watering once or twice a week will suffice.
Increase the frequency in extreme heat.
Temperature and Humidity
The plant is a cool-season grass and doesn’t care for intense heat.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
If you have poor soil, apply a balanced all-purpose plant food in the spring following the label instructions.
Shear it back just before new growth appears, so you dont accidentallypruneany new foliage.
Propagating Feather Reed Grass
Feather reed grass needs propagation by division every three to five years.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
The clump needs division once its so large that sunlight and airflow wont reach its center.
Because the plant is ahybrid, the seeds are sterile and they won’t germinate.
Sterile seeds also mean that you wont have problems with your feather reed grass spreading invasively.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Opt for a clay pot to aid drainage further.
Gently remove the plant, loosen the roots a bit and place in the new pot.
Firm around the crown with additional soil and water well to settle the plant.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Common Pests & Plant Diseases
Feather reed grass rarely has issues with pests or diseases.
You may encounteraphidsorspider mites, which are easily eliminated withinsecticidal soap.
A fungicide can be helpful, but prevention by ensuring good air circulation around the grass is key.
Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Common Problems With Feather Reed Grass
Once established, feather reed grass is fairly low-maintenance.
It is likely not overwatered, as this key in of grass usually doesn’t mind boggy soil.
Its plumes remain tan or golden into the late fall and winter.
Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Overdam’Roger Smith / Getty Images
Though they are both ornamental grasses with similar names, they look entirely different from one another.
Light-coloredMexican feather grassis delicate and droopy compared to the golden feather reed grass that grows more sturdy and upright.
Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Avalanche’Photo by David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
