Protected Series:
Zone: 4KARL FOERSTER FEATHER REED GRASS
Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster', commonly known as Feather Reed Grass, is widely considered the "gold standard" of ornamental grasses and was the first grass to ever be named Perennial Plant of the Year. This cool-season grass is beloved for its strictly vertical, slender habit, reaching heights of 4 to 5 feet while maintaining a narrow footprint of only 3-4 feet. In early summer, it sends up elegant, feathery green flower stalks that quickly mature into narrow, wheat-colored spikes. These stalks are remarkably sturdy, remaining perfectly upright through wind and heavy rain, providing a sophisticated architectural element that persists as a tan silhouette throughout the winter months.
Caring for 'Karl Foerster' is exceptionally easy, as it is a rugged and adaptable "workhorse" for the landscape. It performs best in full sun, though it can tolerate light afternoon shade in hotter climates; however, too much shade may cause the stems to lean. While it thrives in moist, well-drained soils, it is one of the few ornamental grasses that can successfully grow in heavy clay. Because it is a cool-season grower, it begins its growth early in the spring; therefore, you should cut the previous year's stalks back to about 4-6 inches in late winter or very early spring before new shoots appear. Since Karl Foerster is sterile, you won't have to worry about it reseeding and spreading aggressively throughout your garden.
| PLANT | SIZE | TYPE | GALENA | ADD'L | DIG | SOON |
| CALAMAGROSTIS ACU KAR FOERSTER | con 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1384 | |
| CALAMAGROSTIS ACU KAR FOERSTER | con 2 | 328 | 101 | 0 | 3852 | |
| CALAMAGROSTIS ACU KAR FOERSTER | con 3 | 101 | 0 | 0 | 206 | |
| CALAMAGROSTIS ACU KAR FOERSTER | con 5 | 41 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
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To help Calamagrostis acutiflora types settle in and thrive, we recommend these standard planting practices: Plant in full sun to partial shade in average, well-draining soil. Calamagrostis acutiflora varieties are highly valued for their narrow, upright, and architectural habit, making them an excellent choice for vertical interest in borders or mass plantings. They are adaptable to a wide range of soil conditions, including heavy clay, and prefer consistent moisture during the growing season. As these grasses are clump-forming and non-invasive, they do not require containment. For best performance, cut the foliage back to just a few inches above the ground in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh, vigorous growth for the new season.
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