Calamagrostis 'Cheju-do' is a refined selection of Korean feather reed grass with airy plumes that rise above upright clumps of green foliage. Shorter than other reed grasses, it’s appreciated for its adaptable size and elegant flowering habit that lasts into winter.
Height & Spread: 30 - 36 in x 18 - 24 in
Bloom Time: Late summer to early fall
Light Requirements: Full sun to part sun
Soil Preference: Moist, well drained soil; tolerates clay and sandy loam
Watering Needs: Moderate; avoid drought stress for best flowering
Deer Resistance: Rarely browsed by deer
Native Status
This cultivar is derived from species native to East Asia, including Korea, and is named after the island of Jeju. Suited for ornamental use in temperate gardens.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Birds
- Seed heads attract small birds in fall and winter, and upright foliage offers shelter in colder months.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 18 - 24 in apart to allow for upright form and natural movement in garden beds.
Landscape Placement
- Excellent in small borders, urban meadows, or as an architectural vertical accent in part sun gardens. Works well in groupings or as a soft screen.
Companion Plants
- Phlomis tuberosa 'Amazone' - Adds a sturdy structure and mauve flowering towers to complement the reed grass texture.
- Coreopsis verticillata 'Zagreb' - Bright yellow daisies create a lively contrast with the light plumes of the grass.
- Geranium 'Rozanne' - Adds sprawling purple blue blooms that spill around the base of upright grass stems.
- Echinacea pallida - Offers pale drooping coneflowers that echo the texture and motion of Cheju-do’s plumes.
- Veronicastrum virginicum - Provides vertical spikes of soft color that bloom at the same time as grass flowers.