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 | 204 | 0 | 0 | 0 | CALAMAGROSTIS ACU KAR FOERSTER | con 2 | 425 | 4568 | 0 | 0 | CALAMAGROSTIS ACU KAR FOERSTER | con 3 | 48 | 0 | 0 | 0 | CALAMAGROSTIS ACU KAR FOERSTER | con 5 | 170 | 107 | 0 | 0 |
Any current Availability will be listed above this line. This item will not be in the cart if there is no Galena stock listed here.
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KEY:
con = containers - available now
Galena (Ready to Go!) Plants that are above ground and available now
Additional (More Plants!) Plants are not in Galena, but in a remote location which is easily accessible. Call your rep for info. They will not be in the Shop.
Dig (In-Ground Field) Plants are still in the ground. Please call your sales rep to place a Dig Order. They will not be in the Shop.
Soon (Coming Soon) Plants are not quite ready but coming soon. Call your rep to inquire. They will not be in the Shop.
(BBnPOT - formerly known as GRSTART - are B&B put into a container - they are available now)
Available cultivars in this genus:
