Calamagrostis × acutiflora 'Eldorado' (v)

RHS Plant Profile
feather reed grass 'Eldorado'
Grass Like

Slowly spreading, clump-forming, deciduous perennial grass about 1.2m tall, with arching glossy mid-green leaves striped and margined yellow, the variegation fading as the growing season progresses. Upright stems produce soft, pale purple-brown, plume-like flower sprays, in mid and late summer, persisting into winter

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

1-1.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
1-1.5 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Poaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Genus
Calamagrostis are robust rhizomatous perennial grasses, forming tufts of linear leaves, with erect stems bearing dense branching flowering panicles in summer
Name Status
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Tolerant of a range of conditions but best in moisture retentive well-drained soil with full sun or part shade

Propagation

Propagate by division in mid-spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Prairie planting
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Cut back old stems to the ground in early spring before growth resumes

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free