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Overview
Calamagrostis × 'Cheju-Do' is a hybrid reed grass that grows 24–36 inches (60–90 cm) tall and 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) wide, named for Jeju Island (formerly Cheju-Do) off the southern coast of Korea. Open, feathery panicles emerge pinkish-bronze in late August and age to silver-tan through fall, held on stems above narrow, arching green leaf blades. The intermediate size — smaller than C. brachytricha but larger than most Bouteloua — fills a scale niche in mixed grass plantings. The cultivar handles drought better than C. brachytricha, performing on average garden soils without the consistent moisture that the Korean feather reed grass requires. In very dry conditions, however, leaf tips brown by late summer. The plant tolerates light shade but produces fewer and shorter plumes with reduced light. Self-sowing is minimal, as the hybrid produces limited viable seed. Clumps expand slowly without aggressive rhizome spread. The feathery plumes hold form through winter, collecting frost and light snow. Foliage turns gold to tan after frost.
Native Range
Calamagrostis × 'Cheju-Do' is a garden hybrid named for Jeju Island, Korea. Its parentage likely involves C. brachytricha and possibly other Asian Calamagrostis species.Suggested Uses
Used in mixed grass plantings, fall-interest borders, and naturalistic gardens where the intermediate size bridges between low gramas and tall miscanthus. Container culture works in pots of 5 gallons (19 L) or more. Groups of 3–5 give a massed plume display. The minimal self-sowing suits contained garden beds.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 3'
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Flowering begins in late August and continues through October. Open, feathery panicles emerge pinkish-bronze and transition to silver-tan over approximately 8 weeks. Plumes persist through winter.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Pinkish-bronze, aging to silver-tanFoliage Description
Green, narrow, archingGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 5-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in full sun to light shade with at least 5 hours of direct light. Average, well-drained soil is sufficient; this hybrid handles drought better than C. brachytricha. Water during establishment and extended dry spells. No fertilization is needed. Plumes can be left standing through winter. Cut all growth to 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) above ground in late February or early March before new growth.Pruning
All plumes and foliage are left standing through winter. The entire plant is cut to 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) above ground in late winter before new spring growth. No other pruning is needed.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring
Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons