Overview
Calamagrostis epigejos (L.) Roth, also known as wood small-reed, is a perennial grass species that belongs to the Poaceae family. This plant is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa, and is commonly found in temperate regions across the world.
Common Names
Calamagrostis epigejos is known by several common names, including Wood small-reed, Common reedgrass, Bushgrass, and Hedgegrass.
Appearance
The plant usually grows up to 1.5 meters tall, forming dense clumps of robust, erect stems that are up to 100cm long. The leaves are flat and linear, with pointed tips and a rough texture. The inflorescence consists of spikelets that are arranged along the stem, blooming in late summer and early fall. The flowers are purple or brown and produce seeds in the autumn.
Uses
Calamagrostis epigejos is primarily used for ornamental purposes in landscaping. It is a popular choice for screening, borders, and erosion control due to its robustness and the ability to tolerate a wide range of environmental conditions. The grass also has various medicinal properties and has been used in herbal medicines for centuries to treat various disorders such as digestive discomfort, headaches, and breathing problems.
Light Conditions
Calamagrostis epigejos can thrive in full sun to partial shade conditions. However, it prefers areas that receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day. In shady conditions, the plant may grow taller but with thinner foliage.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature range for the growth of Calamagrostis epigejos is between 10°C to 25°C with an optimum of around 20°C. Higher temperatures can cause the plant to wilt and dry out while lower temperatures can result in slow growth and development.
Soil Conditions
Calamagrostis epigejos is not too picky when it comes to soil type, as it can grow in sandy, loamy, or clay soil. However, the soil should be consistently moist, well-drained, and rich in organic matter. The pH range for the plant is between 5.0-7.5, but it usually prefers slightly acidic soils.
The plant can tolerate short periods of dryness but cannot survive in waterlogged conditions. The root system of the plant can reach up to 1 meter deep in the soil, making it drought tolerant to some extent.
Cultivation methods:
Calamagrostis epigejos, commonly known as reed grass, can be grown in a variety of soils, including sand, clay, and loam. It prefers a well-drained soil that retains moisture but does not become waterlogged. It can grow in full sun to partial shade, making it a versatile plant to grow. To propagate, divide the plant in early spring or late fall and transplant the divisions to other areas of the garden.
Watering needs:
Reed grass requires consistent moisture to grow well, especially during the first few years after planting. Water the plant deeply once per week, providing enough water to thoroughly soak the soil to the root level. During hot and dry periods, consider watering twice per week.
Fertilization:
Calamagrostis epigejos does not require a lot of fertilizer, but it will benefit from an annual application of a slow-release fertilizer in the spring. A balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10, will provide the plant with the necessary nutrients it needs to grow.
Pruning:
Reed grass does not require regular pruning, but you should remove any dead or damaged leaves or stems in the spring before new growth begins. If the plant becomes too large or overcrowded, divide it in the fall or early spring to rejuvenate the plant and promote healthy growth.
Propagation of Calamagrostis epigejos
Calamagrostis epigejos, commonly known as wood small-reed or heart’s-ease grass, can be propagated through different methods including seed propagation, division, and transplants.
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Calamagrostis epigejos is through seed propagation. The seeds should be collected in the fall season when they are mature. The seeds should be cleaned, dried, and stored in a cool, dry place until the next growing season. In the spring, the seeds should be sowed in well-drained soil and covered lightly with soil. The seedlings should be kept moist and shaded until they are established.
Division
Calamagrostis epigejos can also be propagated through division. This process involves digging up a mature plant and dividing it into smaller sections with a clean sharp knife. Each section should have a few healthy roots and shoots. The divided sections should be planted in well-prepared soil and watered regularly until they are established.
Transplants
Transplants are another way to propagate Calamagrostis epigejos. This method involves digging up a mature plant and carefully replanting it in a new location. This method is best done in the fall or early spring when the plant is dormant. The transplanted plant should be watered regularly until it is established.
Disease Management
Calamagrostis epigejos (L.) Roth is a hardy plant that is resistant to many diseases. However, it may sometimes fall prey to fungal infections such as rust and smut. Rust, in particular, manifests as orange-red pustules on the leaves, while smut forms powdery black spores that affect the grain quality.
To manage rust, you can pick and destroy infected leaves and apply fungicides such as copper-based ones to prevent spreading. Alternatively, use resistant cultivars or avoid planting in areas with high rust incidence. For smut, apply fungicidal seed treatments before planting and practice crop rotation.
Pest Management
Calamagrostis epigejos (L.) Roth faces minimal pest predation, but it may from time to time face some insect attacks. Common ones include aphids, beetles, and grasshoppers. Grasshoppers are particularly detrimental during the early growth stages because they can consume the entire plant, while beetles can defoliate the leaves.
To manage these pests, you can opt for non-chemical options such as handpicking and applying repellent companion plants. For severe infestations, use insecticides, but make sure to choose ones that target specific pests as broad-spectrum ones can harm beneficial insects.
