Species Blue Joint Reedgrass
orange-green foliage and stems

Blue Joint Reedgrass

Calamagrostis canadensis var. macouniana

Also Known As - Bluejoint
Blue Joint Reedgrass (Calamagrostis canadensis var. macouniana) is a blue-green tufted perennial grass native to North America. It typically grows in wet areas and can reach up to 3 feet tall. Its inflorescence is an open panicle of narrow, green-blue spikelets with silky hairs at the base and sometimes a purplish tint near the base. Its foliage is bluish-gray, often with a bit of purple. The leaves are thin and have an intense blue color with a slight sheen. Blue Joint Reedgrass is a popular ornamental grass for garden beds and wet areas, providing a beautiful contrast to green grasses. It is easy to care for and requires little water or fertilizer.

Watering:

Frequent

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,red,yellow,brown

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

watering

Reedgrass should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch and the plant shows signs of wilting. When watering, apply enough so that it gives the soil a good soaking but allow the soil to slightly dry out between watering. A weekly deep soaking should be plenty to keep it growing happily. Avoid over-watering and do not let the soil become soggy, as this can lead to disease and rot. During the winter months, reduce watering to once a month or less, allowing the soil to dry out.

sunlight

Reedgrass (var. canadensis x Calamagrostis canadensis var. pickeringii) prefers to grow in full sun, meaning it will benefit from at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. This plant species is able to tolerate some shade, but it grows best in full sunlight and is therefore more likely to flourish and produce its full potential of blooms and foliage. Reedgrass starts growing actively in early spring, when temperatures begin to rise above 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Growth activity will remain steady throughout the summer months, and gradually decrease in the autumn season, until temperatures drop too low for the plant to be active.

pruning

Reedgrass (var. canadensis x Calamagrostis canadensis var. pickeringii) should be pruned to keep it within the desired size and shape over time. Pruning should take place in late winter after the plant has lost most of its foliage, roughly from late February to late March. This also gives the plant a chance to regenerate and fill in with new growth for the upcoming growing season. The pruning should include removing dead or damaged branches as well as cutting away any excessive grow at the base or sides of the shrub to shape and reduce size. This enables the plant to branch out and produce a full and attractive shape. As this variety of reedgrass tends to grow vigorously, some regular pruning may be necessary throughout the growing season to keep the plants in the desired shape.

⚠️ Perenual and its members cannot be held liable for any health issues that may arise from the information provided on the website or from using any of the plants found on the site. The information provided is intended to be used as general guidelines only.