Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’ (Feather Reed Grass)
Feather Reed Grass 'Karl Foerster', Calamagrostis 'Stricta'
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 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 | Poaceae |
| Genus | Calamagrostis |
| Common names | Reed Grass, Feather 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" (50cm - 60cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| 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 | Drought, Deer, 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 |
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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 | Poaceae |
| Genus | Calamagrostis |
| Common names | Reed Grass, Feather 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" (50cm - 60cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| 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 | Drought, Deer, 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 |
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Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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