Calamagrostis x acutiflora Karl Foerster (Feather Reed Grass)

One of the most popular ornamental grasses worldwide, Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’ (Feather Reed Grass) is a majestic ornamental grass, highly valued for its erect feathery flower plumes, moving gracefully with even the slightest breeze. Fast-growing, reliable, with a multi-season interest, this cool season grass is not only beautiful, but it is also virtually carefree and quite versatile.

One of the most popular ornamental grasses worldwide, Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' (Feather Reed Grass) is a majestic ornamental grass, highly valued for its erect feathery flower plumes, moving gracefully with even the slightest breeze. Fast-growing, reliable, with a multi-season interest, this cool season grass is not only beautiful, but it is also virtually carefree and quite versatile. 'Karl Foerster' is a great-looking plant for the garden as it provides superb vertical lines.

  • Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society and 2001 Perennial Plant of the Year
  • Grows up to 3-6 ft. high (90-180 cm), consisting of a 2-3 ft. (60-90 cm) narrow clump of deep green, lustrous, elegantly arched, narrow leaves topped from early summer to fall with 3 ft. (90 cm) pinkish-purple, loose feathery plumes. As the seed heads mature, they become very narrow with a golden tan color that lasts through fall. The narrow, tight habit of this plant creates an 18-inch wide clump (45 cm).
  • Performs best in full sun to part shade in average, medium to wet soils. Does well in heavy clay soils. Drought tolerant.
  • Stunning as a specimen plant, in large borders or massed. Excellent for narrow spaces in the landscape, superb as a backdrop and mixes well with colorful, blooming perennials. Flower plumes are good for fresh or dried arrangements.
  • Virtually pest and disease free. Keep an eye out for rust. Deer and rabbit resistant
  • Requires little maintenance. Cut clumps to the ground in late winter just before new growth appears. This grass will not self-seed in the garden because seeds are sterile.
  • Cut back old stems to the ground in early spring before growth resumes. Propagate by division in mid-spring

Requirements

Hardiness 4
– 8

Heat Zones 1
– 9

Climate Zones 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Ornamental Grasses
Plant Family Calamagrostis – Reed Grass
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)Fall
Height 3'
– 6'
(90cm
– 180cm)
Spread 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spacing 18″
– 24″
(45cm
– 60cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Drought, Rabbit, Wet Soil
Attracts Birds
Garden Uses Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Modern Garden, Prairie and Meadow