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Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’ (Feather Reed Grass)

Feather Reed Grass 'Karl Foerster', Calamagrostis 'Stricta'

AGM Award
Feather Reed Grass, Calamagrostis x Acutiflora, 'Karl Foerster', Deer resistant plant, Karl Foerster grass
Feather Reed Grass, Calamagrostis x Acutiflora, 'Karl Foerster', Deer resistant plant, Karl Foerster grass
Feather Reed Grass, Calamagrostis x Acutiflora, 'Karl Foerster', Deer resistant plant, Karl Foerster grass
Tricyrtis formosana, Persicaria amplexicaulis 'Firetail' ,Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster - Chanticleer Garden, Lisa Roper

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 Prairie and Meadow, Modern Garden, Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard
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Calamagrostis (Reed Grass)
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Calamagrostis nutkaensis (Pacific Reedgrass)
Calamagrostis canadensis (Bluejoint Grass)
Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Overdam’ (Feather Reed Grass)
Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Avalanche’ (Feather Reed Grass)
Calamagrostis brachytricha (Reed Grass)
Stipa calamagrostis (Spear Grass)

Recommended Companion Plants

Nepeta racemosa ‘Blue Wonder’ (Catmint)
Helenium ‘Waltraut’ (Sneezeweed)
Coreopsis verticillata ‘Moonbeam’ (Threadleaf Coreopsis)
Stachys officinalis ‘Hummelo’ (Bettony)
Hydrangea arborescens Incrediball® (Smooth Hydrangea)
Agastache ‘Black Adder’ (Giant Hyssop)

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Great Ornamental Grasses for your Winter Garden
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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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 Prairie and Meadow, Modern Garden, Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Calamagrostis (Reed Grass)
Not sure which Calamagrostis (Reed Grass) to pick?
Compare Now

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