Mediterranean Calamagrostis Plant Care

Achnatherum calamagrostis P.Beauv.

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Achnatherum calamagrostis is a species of flowering plant in the grass family Poaceae, known by the common names spear grass, needle grass, and silver spike grass. It is an ornamental grass native to the clearings in the mountains of central and southern Europe, which grows in mounds of blue-green leaves and long, silvery plumes.

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Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Full sun

Temp

65–85°F

Humidity

30–60%

At a glance

How do you care for Mediterranean Calamagrostis?

Water Mediterranean Calamagrostis every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun. It prefers temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C) and 30–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Mediterranean Calamagrostis Native To?

Native range21 countries

What Is the Mediterranean Calamagrostis?

Mediterranean Calamagrostis (Achnatherum calamagrostis) belongs to the Poaceae family within the Achnatherum genus. Mediterranean Calamagrostis is native to the clearings in the mountains of central and southern Europe, which grows in mounds of blue-green leaves and long, silvery plumes. Mediterranean Calamagrostis is also known as Feather Reed Grass, Reed Grass.

Mediterranean Calamagrostis displays a tall, upright grass growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Mediterranean Calamagrostis produces small, inconspicuous flowers in spikelets.

Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Mediterranean Calamagrostis?

Achnatherum calamagrostis requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–14 days

Let soil partially dry between waterings

What Light Does the Mediterranean Calamagrostis Need?

Mediterranean Calamagrostis thrives in full sun.

Light Requirement

Full sun

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Mediterranean Calamagrostis Prefer?

Achnatherum calamagrostis grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. Mediterranean Calamagrostis prefers humidity levels of 30–60%.

Temperature

65–85°F

Humidity

30–60%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Mediterranean Calamagrostis?

Well-draining sandy soil with good aeration. Good drainage is essential for Mediterranean Calamagrostis to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Mediterranean Calamagrostis?

Feed Mediterranean Calamagrostis every 8 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.

Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.

Fertilizing

Every 8 months

During the growing season

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

How Do You Repot a Mediterranean Calamagrostis?

Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.

How Do You Propagate a Mediterranean Calamagrostis?

Mediterranean Calamagrostis can be propagated through seeds, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to chinese needle grass plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Mediterranean Calamagrostis Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Mediterranean Calamagrostis, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.

This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

What Pests and Diseases Affect the Mediterranean Calamagrostis?

Mediterranean Calamagrostis is susceptible to grasshoppers, aphids, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Mediterranean Calamagrostis Need?

Mediterranean Calamagrostis grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Mediterranean Calamagrostis is native to the clearings in the mountains of central and southern Europe, which grows in mounds of blue-green leaves and long, silvery plumes. In cooler regions, grow Mediterranean Calamagrostis as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13b

Keep exploring plants

Mediterranean Calamagrostis is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Achnatherum genus — compare its care with other Achnatherum species on PlantoScan.

Achnatherum is part of the Poaceae plant family — browse all Poaceae genera and species.

Mediterranean Calamagrostis thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

Related Plant Care Guides

Closely related plants with similar care requirements:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Achnatherum calamagrostis P.Beauv., family Poaceae (first published in Ess. Agrostogr. : 19 (1812)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Mediterranean Calamagrostis, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13b, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
  • Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

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