These are handsome reed-like grasses – indeed, their common name is reed grass – and in the wild they thrive in damp woodland situations. However, it has been found that Calamagrostis are highly adaptable perennials, and actually grow well in many different garden situations. In all, there are some 270 different species, of which just a select few have been developed for use in gardens. Slowly spreading clump-formers, Calamagrostis produce airy, feathery flowerheads which ripen to narrow bronze spikes. These remain well through the winter to make them some of the most sought-after ornamental grasses both for the summer garden, and as handsome architectural features in winter.

The most commonly seen forms are cultivars of Calamagrostis × acutiflora, such as Calamagrostis 'Karl Foerster'. Calamagrostis 'Overdam', 'Avalanche' and 'Eldorado' (this last form has leaves with green and yellow variegation). Calamagrostis brachytricha is known as foxtail grass or the Korean feather reed grass, and produces a dense clump of leaves just 60cm or so in length, making this one of the forms best suited to growing in a container.