Origin and Common Names
Calamagrostis purpurascens R. Br. ssp. maltei (Polunin) Porsild, commonly known as purple reed grass, is a plant that belongs to the Poaceae family. It is native to Alaska, Yukon, Northwest Territories, and British Columbia.
Uses
Purple reed grass is a popular ornamental grass in gardens and landscapes due to its attractive purple-colored inflorescence that emerges in late spring. It is also commonly used in erosion control and soil stabilization due to its extensive root system. In addition, the plant has been used by Indigenous peoples in Alaska and Canada for traditional purposes, such as basket weaving and forage for reindeer.
General Appearance
Purple reed grass typically grows up to 100 cm tall and forms dense clumps that can spread up to 80 cm wide. The stems are slender and erect, with flat leaves that are approximately 6-12 mm wide and up to 60 cm long. The inflorescence is a narrow, spike-like panicle that is 5-15 cm long and purplish in color. The plant blooms from late spring to early summer, and the seeds are dispersed by wind.
Light requirements
Calamagrostis purpurascens R. Br. ssp. maltei (Polunin) Porsild typically grows in areas with full to partial sunlight. It requires a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth. However, it can also grow in areas with less sunlight, although the growth may be slower.
Temperature requirements
This plant prefers cool to cold temperatures, typically between 10 to 20°C (50 to 68°F). It can withstand some freezing temperatures, but prolonged exposure to very low temperatures can cause damage to the plant. Additionally, it cannot tolerate extreme heat, and temperatures above 25°C (77°F) can cause the plant to wilt or die.
Soil requirements
Calamagrostis purpurascens R. Br. ssp. maltei (Polunin) Porsild prefers moist, well-draining soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH level (5.5-7.0). The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil textures, from sandy to clayey soils, but it prefers soils that are rich in organic matter and nutrients. It is important to avoid waterlogged or poorly drained soils, as these can lead to root rot and other plant diseases.
Cultivation
Calamagrostis purpurascens R. Br. ssp. maltei (Polunin) Porsild grows best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers moist, well-drained soil but can tolerate a range of soil types, from sandy to clay. Planting can be done in spring or fall. It is an easy plant to grow and can rapidly establish itself in a new location.
Watering Needs
The plant requires regular watering in the growing season to maintain its moisture level. While it can tolerate some drought and prefers well-drained soil, the soil should not be allowed to dry out completely. Overwatering should be avoided, as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Calamagrostis purpurascens R. Br. ssp. maltei (Polunin) Porsild usually does not require much fertilization. However, if the soil is poor, it may benefit from added fertilizer. Use a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in early spring at the start of the growing season. Avoid applying fertilizer in late summer and fall, as this can lead to the plant's continued growth and potential winter damage.
Pruning
There is no need for pruning since this plant is a grass. You should cut back the plant's leaves closest to the ground in early spring to stimulate new growth. You can also remove any damaged leaves throughout the growing season. However, avoid trimming too much of the foliage, as this can affect the plant's overall appearance and health.
Propagation of Calamagrostis purpurascens R. Br. ssp. maltei (Polunin) Porsild
Calamagrostis purpurascens R. Br. ssp. maltei (Polunin) Porsild is a species of grass that is propagated through seeds and clump division.
Seeds
The most common method of propagating Calamagrostis purpurascens R. Br. ssp. maltei (Polunin) Porsild is through seeds. Seeds can be collected from the plant after it has flowered and the seed heads have dried. The seeds can then be stored in a cool, dry place until they are ready to be planted.
When planting the seeds, they should be sown at a depth of approximately 1 cm and space should be left between each seed to allow for growth. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged and the seeds should be kept in a warm, bright area to aid germination.
Clump division
Calamagrostis purpurascens R. Br. ssp. maltei (Polunin) Porsild can also be propagated through clump division. This method involves separating the plant into smaller sections and replanting them. Clump division should be carried out in the spring or autumn.
To carry out clump division, the plant should be lifted from the soil and the roots carefully separated. Each section should have at least one shoot and a good root system. The sections can then be replanted in their new location, ensuring that they are planted at the same depth as they were previously.
It is important to ensure that the new plants have access to sufficient water and nutrients to aid their growth and establishment.
Disease and Pest Management for Calamagrostis purpurascens R. Br. ssp. maltei (Polunin) Porsild
Calamagrostis purpurascens R. Br. ssp. maltei (Polunin) Porsild, commonly known as purple reedgrass, is a hardy grass species that is generally resistant to diseases and pests. However, like all living organisms, it is not entirely immune to pests and diseases. Common diseases and pests that can affect Calamagrostis purpurascens R. Br. ssp. maltei (Polunin) Porsild include:
Diseases
Fungal diseases: Fungal diseases are the most common type of disease that can affect Calamagrostis purpurascens R. Br. ssp. maltei (Polunin) Porsild. One such disease is leaf spot, which is caused by the fungal pathogen Drechslera spp. Leaf spot causes black or brown spots on the blades of the grass. To manage leaf spot, remove the infected blades of the grass and dispose of them away from the garden. Fungicides can also be used to prevent the spread of the disease.
Rust: Rust is another fungal disease that can affect Calamagrostis purpurascens R. Br. ssp. maltei (Polunin) Porsild. Rust causes yellow or orange spots on the blades of the grass and can weaken the plant. To manage rust, remove infected blades of the grass and dispose of them away from the garden. Fungicides can also be used to manage the spread of the disease.
Pests
Grasshoppers: Grasshoppers are common pests that can devour the blades and stems of Calamagrostis purpurascens R. Br. ssp. maltei (Polunin) Porsild, resulting in yellowing and weakening of the plant. To manage grasshoppers, use insecticidal soap or neem oil to repel them from the plant. You can also use physical barriers, such as netting, to prevent grasshoppers from accessing the plant.
Cutworms: Cutworms are juvenile caterpillars that feed on the tender stems of Calamagrostis purpurascens R. Br. ssp. maltei (Polunin) Porsild, causing the plant to wilt or die. To manage cutworms, apply insecticides to the soil in the spring or fall periodically to kill the larvae before they can cause significant damage to the plant. You can also use physical barriers, such as cardboard collars around the base of the plant, to prevent cutworms from accessing the stem.
In conclusion, regular observations and taking prompt action can prevent the spread of disease and damage from pests in Calamagrostis purpurascens R. Br. ssp. maltei (Polunin) Porsild. Using non-chemical methods as the first line of defense and resorting to pesticide applications only when necessary can help maintain a healthy and sustainable garden ecosystem.