Feather Reed Grass - 'Karl Foerster'

Calamagrostis × acutiflora 'Karl Foerster'

Poaceae

• Full sun to partial shade
• 4-6' tall (including plumes) × 2-3' wide
• Type: Cool-season ornamental grass
• Drought Tolerant: Yes (once established)
• Flower Color: Pink-purple plumes aging to golden tan (May - Aug)
• Deer Resistant: Yes

Karl Foerster is the most popular ornamental grass in commerce today and was named the 2001 Perennial Plant of the Year. This upright, clump-forming cool-season grass features narrow, deep green foliage that emerges early in spring. Its distinctive vertical growth habit creates a dramatic narrow column, growing 2-3 feet tall with glossy green leaves, topped by feathery flower plumes that reach 5-6 feet in height. Unlike many ornamental grasses, Karl Foerster blooms several weeks earlier than common feather reed grass and is sterile, so it will not self-seed in the landscape.

The flower stems appear in early summer, bearing loose, feathery plumes that emerge pinkish-purple and fade to silvery wheat tones by late summer, maintaining their golden tan color throughout fall and winter. The foliage turns a beautiful golden bronze after frost. This grass provides exceptional four-season interest, remaining upright through winter and moving gracefully with the slightest breeze. In heavy rain or wind, stems may temporarily flop but quickly return to vertical when dried.

As a cool-season grass, Karl Foerster puts on most of its growth in spring before temperatures exceed 75°F and resumes active growth in fall when temperatures cool. It is remarkably adaptable, tolerating a wide range of soil conditions from well-drained sandy soils to heavy clay, though it prefers moist soils. The grass is low-maintenance, requiring only an annual cutback in late winter before new growth emerges. It should be cut back to about one-third of its height to avoid harming the plant.

This versatile grass excels as a specimen plant providing vertical accent, in mass plantings for dramatic effect, as a backdrop for perennial borders, or as a seasonal hedge or screen. It combines beautifully with late summer and fall-blooming perennials such as Coreopsis, Echinacea, Liatris, and Rudbeckia. The plumes make excellent fresh or dried cut flowers for arrangements, maintaining their golden color for months. Plant where afternoon sun can shine through the seedheads for a stunning golden effect.