Is Korean Feather Reed Grass good for the Colorado Front Range?

Yes, Korean Feather Reed Grass is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.

How far apart do I plant Korean Feather Reed Grass?

Space Korean Feather Reed Grass about 21 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 30 in apart for a looser planting.

Is Korean Feather Reed Grass hardy on the Front Range?

Korean Feather Reed Grass is hardy in USDA 4 to 9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 6a, so it is well within range.

How much water does Korean Feather Reed Grass need?

It needs medium water once established.

Is Korean Feather Reed Grass native to Colorado?

No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.

How long does Korean Feather Reed Grass bloom?

Korean Feather Reed Grass blooms for several weeks, a long-season performer on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.

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Korean Feather Reed Grass

Calamagrostis brachytricha

Compiled by Nicholas Julia · Reviewed against CSU Extension & Plant Select® · Updated 2026-10-30

Korean Feather Reed Grass (Calamagrostis brachytricha) is a perennial suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 30 to 42 in tall and 24 to 30 in wide, needs medium water, and prefers full sun to partial shade. Feathery pink-purple plumes in late summer; tolerates part shade unusually well for a grass.

Plant Select®medium water30 to 42 in tall and 24 to 30 in wide

Photos

Photo 1: (c) Andrew Bazdyrev, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Photo 2: James K. Lindsey, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
Photo 3: Dominicus Johannes Bergsma, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
Photo 4: Dominicus Johannes Bergsma, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)

At a glance

Will it survive here?

Hardiness zones: USDA 4 to 9
Water needs: medium water
Sun: Best in full sun; tolerates partial shade.
Soil: loam, sandy
Soil pH: 6.5 to 8.0
Hail tolerance: high
Wind tolerance: high
Salt tolerance: moderate

How big, what shape?

Mature size: 30 to 42 in tall and 24 to 30 in wide
Planting spacing: ~21 to 30 in apart

What it looks like, and when

Bloom time: late summer, early fall
Bloom color: pink, purple
Bloom length: Long (several weeks)
Foliage: Deciduous

Who else benefits

Pollinator value: low
Deer: Not rated
Colorado native: No

Also worth knowing

Fire rating: Not rated

Planting & establishment

Deep water every 1 to 2 weeks during establishment (first growing season), then water sparingly per Plant Select guidance.

Frequently asked questions

Is Korean Feather Reed Grass good for the Colorado Front Range?: Yes, Korean Feather Reed Grass is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.
How big does Korean Feather Reed Grass get?: It matures to about 30 to 42 in tall and 24 to 30 in wide.
How far apart do I plant Korean Feather Reed Grass?: Space Korean Feather Reed Grass about 21 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 30 in apart for a looser planting.
Is Korean Feather Reed Grass hardy on the Front Range?: Korean Feather Reed Grass is hardy in USDA 4 to 9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 6a, so it is well within range.
How much water does Korean Feather Reed Grass need?: It needs medium water once established.
Is Korean Feather Reed Grass native to Colorado?: No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
How long does Korean Feather Reed Grass bloom?: Korean Feather Reed Grass blooms for several weeks, a long-season performer on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.