Purple Reedgrass: A Hardy Native Grass for Challenging Sites
If you’re looking for a tough, beautiful native grass that can handle what Mother Nature throws at it, purple reedgrass (Calamagrostis purpurascens) might just be your new best friend. This hardy perennial grass brings both beauty and resilience to gardens across much of North America, making it a fantastic choice for gardeners who want to go native without sacrificing visual appeal.
What Makes Purple Reedgrass Special?
Purple reedgrass is a true native champion, naturally occurring across an impressive range that includes Alaska, Canada, Greenland, and many of the lower 48 states. You’ll find this adaptable grass growing wild in places like Alberta, British Columbia, California, Colorado, Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, and many other states and provinces. This wide distribution is a testament to just how tough and adaptable this grass really is.
As a graminoid (that’s fancy talk for grass or grass-like plant), purple reedgrass belongs to the same family as other ornamental grasses, sedges, and rushes. But what sets it apart is its distinctive purplish flower panicles that give the plant its common name and create stunning displays in late summer.
Why Choose Purple Reedgrass for Your Garden?
There are plenty of reasons to fall in love with this native beauty:
- Incredible hardiness: This grass thrives in USDA zones 2-7, making it perfect for cold climates where other ornamental grasses might struggle
- Low maintenance: Once established, purple reedgrass is remarkably self-sufficient
- Aesthetic appeal: The purple-tinged flower heads and graceful form add texture and movement to any landscape
- Wildlife friendly: Provides habitat structure for beneficial insects and adds to the ecosystem value of your garden
- Versatile placement: Works beautifully in native gardens, naturalistic landscapes, alpine settings, and even rain gardens
Perfect Garden Partnerships
Purple reedgrass shines brightest when used thoughtfully in the landscape. Consider it for:
- Native plant gardens: Pairs beautifully with other indigenous species
- Slope stabilization: Its root system helps prevent erosion
- Naturalistic plantings: Creates that wild meadow look that’s so popular right now
- Alpine gardens: Perfect for mountain-style landscapes
- Rain gardens: Tolerates varying moisture conditions
Growing Purple Reedgrass Successfully
The beauty of purple reedgrass lies in its easygoing nature. Here’s what you need to know to grow it successfully:
Light requirements: This adaptable grass does well in full sun to partial shade, though it typically produces the best flower displays in sunnier locations.
Soil preferences: Purple reedgrass is remarkably tolerant of different soil types, including poor soils that would challenge other plants. It particularly appreciates moist to wet conditions, making it an excellent choice for areas that stay consistently damp.
Planting tips: Spring is typically the best time to plant purple reedgrass. Give plants adequate spacing to accommodate their mature size and allow for good air circulation.
Care and maintenance: Once established, this grass requires minimal care. It may self-seed in favorable conditions, which can be a bonus if you want to naturalize larger areas. Cut back in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
While purple reedgrass is generally well-behaved, it can spread by seed in optimal conditions. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing – many gardeners appreciate its naturalizing tendency – but it’s something to be aware of if you prefer more controlled plantings.
Also, like many native grasses, purple reedgrass may take a season or two to really establish itself. Be patient – the wait is worth it!
The Bottom Line
Purple reedgrass offers gardeners a wonderful opportunity to incorporate a truly native, low-maintenance grass into their landscapes. Its combination of hardiness, beauty, and ecological value makes it a smart choice for anyone looking to create sustainable, attractive plantings that support local ecosystems. Whether you’re dealing with challenging growing conditions or simply want to add some native charm to your garden, purple reedgrass deserves serious consideration.
