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 |
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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 |