Product Description
Calamagrostis acutiflora Hello Spring!™ (30)ct Flat
Common Name: Feather Reed Grass, Ornamental Grass
An arching variegated Feather Reed Grass varying from the typical upright habits of market cultivars. Leaves have wide creamy white margins edging green centers. The foliage cascades to the ground to form an arching habit. Expect the variegation to be most pronounced in spring. Cream flower spikes rise above the foliage in summer. Introduced by Emerald Coast Growers.
Calamagrostis acutiflora prefers sunny, dry conditions. It can be grown in nearly any soil, including heavy clay. Be sure to provide plenty of moisture in extremely hot weather. Cut back to 6" in spring before new growth begins. Propagate by division in either spring or fall.
Height: 3.0-4.0 Feet
Spread: 1.5-2.0 Feet
Hardiness Zones: 4,5,6,7,8
Flower Color: Tan shades
Foliage Color: Variegated
Full Sun
Low to Average Water Needs
Fertile Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Late Spring
Deer Resistant
Seasonal Interest: Dried Seed Heads, Fall Color
Growth Rate: Medium
Border Plant, Cut Flower, Dried Flower, Drought Tolerant, Easy To Grow, Good For Screening, Attractive Foliage, Mass Planting, Salt Tolerant
Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Hello Spring!' is a beautiful and versatile ornamental grass that adds a touch of elegance and movement to the garden. Here is what you need to know about it:
Appearance:
- 'Hello Spring!' is a variegated feather reed grass with striking green blades edged in creamy white. This variegation is particularly prominent in spring, hence the name 'Hello Spring!'. As the season progresses, the contrast may become less pronounced, but the overall effect remains attractive.
- In summer, it produces tall, feathery plumes that rise above the foliage. These plumes start out creamy white and gradually turn tan as they mature, providing long-lasting interest.
- It has an upright, clumping growth habit, forming neat and tidy mounds that will not spread aggressively.
Growing Conditions:
- Light: Prefers full sun to partial shade. It will thrive in full sun but appreciates some shade in hot climates.
- Soil: Tolerates a wide range of soil types, including clay, as long as it is well-drained. It prefers moist soil but can also tolerate some drought once established.
- Hardiness Zones: Suitable for zones 4-8.
- Bloom Time: Flowers in summer, with plumes lasting through fall and often into winter.
Care:
- Watering: Water regularly, especially during the first year to establish roots. Once established, it is relatively drought-tolerant.
- Fertilizing: Generally, does not require much fertilizer. A light application of a balanced fertilizer in spring can be beneficial.
- Pruning: Cut back the foliage to a few inches above the ground in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Division: Clumps can be divided every few years in spring to prevent overcrowding and rejuvenate the plant.
Uses:
- Excellent for adding vertical interest and texture to borders, beds, and containers.
- Ideal for mass plantings to create a stunning visual impact.
- Suitable for use as a screen or hedge.
- The plumes can be used in dried flower arrangements.
- Provides winter interest as the plumes persist through the colder months.
Additional Notes:
- 'Hello Spring!' is a relatively low-maintenance plant that is easy to grow.
- It is deer-resistant, which is a bonus for gardeners in areas with deer populations.
- It is a sterile hybrid, so it will not produce seeds or spread aggressively.
- Consider pairing it with other perennials that enjoy similar growing conditions, such as coneflowers, sedum, and daylilies.
Why 'Hello Spring!' Stands Out:
- Striking Variegation: The creamy white and green foliage provides a beautiful contrast and adds a touch of brightness to the garden.
- Elegant Plumes: The tall, feathery plumes create a sense of movement and add vertical interest to the landscape.
- Versatile: It can be used in a variety of garden settings, from borders to containers.
- Low Maintenance: It is easy to care for and requires minimal maintenance.
If you are looking for a beautiful and versatile ornamental grass to add to your garden, 'Hello Spring!' is an excellent choice. Its striking variegation, elegant plumes, and easy care make it a winner for any landscape.
Thirty (30) plants per flat (or tray). Approximate Plug Measurements: 4.25 inches deep x 2 inches wide.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
