Origin
Calamagrostis neglecta (Ehrh.) P.G. Gaertn., B. Mey. & Scherb. ssp. stricta (Timm) Tzvelev, commonly known as Lesser Reedgrass, is a perennial grass species that is native to Europe and western Asia. It is well adapted to moist soils and can commonly be found growing in wet meadows, ditches, and along streams and rivers.
Common names
Calamagrostis neglecta is commonly known by various other names including Small Reedgrass, Narrow Small Reedgrass, and Strict Reedgrass.
Uses
The Lesser Reedgrass is widely used as an ornamental grass in gardens and landscapes. It can be used to stabilize soil in wet areas and for erosion control. Additionally, it is used as forage for grazing livestock and for wildlife habitat. It is also known to be used in habitat restoration projects.
General appearance
The Lesser Reedgrass is a tall grass that can grow up to 90 cm in height. It has long, narrow leaves with pointed tips that are green or bluish-gray in color. The inflorescence is a dense panicle that can reach up to 20 cm in length and is typically purplish in color. The panicle is made up of numerous spikelets that flower from June to September. The roots of Calamagrostis neglecta are fibrous and dense, allowing it to withstand water logging and flooding.
hereLight Needs
Calamagrostis neglecta (Ehrh.) P.G. Gaertn., B. Mey. & Scherb. ssp. stricta (Timm) Tzvelev typically grows in full sun environments. These plants thrive in places that are exposed to direct sunlight for at least 6 to 8 hours daily.
Temperature Requirements
The best temperature for Calamagrostis neglecta (Ehrh.) P.G. Gaertn., B. Mey. & Scherb. ssp. stricta (Timm) Tzvelev growth is within the range of 15-27 °C. The soil temperature should be between 10-15 °C in spring and 15-20 °C in autumn, the optimum temperatures to maintain its growth.
Soil Needs
Calamagrostis neglecta (Ehrh.) P.G. Gaertn., B. Mey. & Scherb. ssp. stricta (Timm) Tzvelev generally grows better in moist and well-drained soils. These plants also require slightly acidic to neutral soil conditions, with a pH range of 5.5-7.0. Sandy loam soil types are preferred for their growth.
Cultivation
Calamagrostis neglecta ssp. stricta is a hardy plant that can grow in a wide range of soil types and pH levels. It prefers well-drained soils with a slightly acidic pH level. The plant can grow in full sun or partial shade, and it can tolerate dry conditions once established.
Propagation of Calamagrostis neglecta ssp. stricta can be done by either sowing seeds or dividing mature plants. Seeds should be sown in the fall or early spring, while divisions should be done in early spring or late fall.
Watering Needs
Calamagrostis neglecta ssp. stricta requires moderate watering. In general, the plant should be watered only when the soil begins to feel dry to the touch. However, during hot and dry periods, the plant may require more frequent watering to keep the roots from drying out.
It is essential to avoid overwatering, as this can rot the roots and kill the plant.
Fertilization
Calamagrostis neglecta ssp. stricta does not require much fertilizer. A light application of an all-purpose fertilizer in early spring can help promote growth and development. However, avoid applying too much fertilizer, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flower production.
Organic compost can also be applied around the base of the plant to help improve soil fertility and structure, but avoid piling the compost on top of the crown, as this can lead to root rot.
Pruning
Calamagrostis neglecta ssp. stricta does not require pruning to maintain its shape, but it is beneficial to cut back the plant in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This will help remove any dead or damaged foliage and promote vigorous new growth.
If the plant becomes too large for its space, it can be divided every two to three years to control its size and promote better growth.
Propagation of Calamagrostis neglecta ssp. stricta
Calamagrostis neglecta ssp. stricta, commonly known as Narrow-leaved reed grass, can be propagated through both seed and vegetative methods.
Propagation by Seed
The seeds of Calamagrostis neglecta ssp. stricta can be collected in late summer and fall, or can be purchased from a reputable seed supplier. The seeds require stratification to break their dormancy. This can be achieved by mixing the seeds in a moistened bag of sand or peat at 4°C for 4-8 weeks.
After stratification, the seeds can be sown in a seed tray or directly in a prepared bed in the garden. The soil should be moist and well-draining. The seeds should be planted at a depth of approximately 1/8 inch and kept moist until they germinate, which can take several weeks.
Once the seedlings are established, they can be transplanted to their permanent location in the garden.
Propagation by Vegetative Methods
Calamagrostis neglecta ssp. stricta can also be propagated by division. This method is best carried out in early spring or fall.
To propagate by division, dig up the plant and gently separate the clumps into smaller sections, making sure each section has a healthy root system. Replant the sections in a prepared bed in the garden, making sure they are planted at the same depth they were previously growing.
Keep the newly transplanted sections moist until they have established themselves in their new location.
Disease Management:
Calamagrostis neglecta ssp. stricta is primarily resistant to diseases, thanks to its hardy nature. However, there are certain diseases that may affect the plant, and the following methods may prove useful in managing them:
Fungal leaf spots: This fungal infection appears as dark-colored spots on the leaves of the plant. Pruning the affected leaves and applying a fungicide can help in controlling the spread of the infection.
Crown rot: This disease is caused by the fungus Fusarium culmorum and can affect the roots, crowns, and stems of Calamagrostis neglecta. The infected plant may show symptoms such as stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and a general wilting appearance. The best management strategy for crown rot is to remove the infected plant and avoid planting Calamagrostis neglecta in the same area for a few years.
Pest Management:
Calamagrostis neglecta ssp. stricta is generally not susceptible to pests. However, certain insects may sometimes infest the plant, and the following methods may prove useful in managing them:
Grasshoppers: Grasshoppers can cause damage to the leaves of the plant and should be controlled by using insecticides and repellents. Handpicking the insects from the plant can also be effective.
Cutworms: Cutworms are moth larvae that can attack the stem of Calamagrostis neglecta. They should be controlled by using chemical insecticides or by implementing biological control methods such as introducing natural predators.
In conclusion, Calamagrostis neglecta ssp. stricta is a hardy plant that is resistant to most diseases and pests. However, if infections or infestations do occur, it is important to use appropriate management strategies to control and prevent further damage to the plant.
