Alphabetical Plant Listing

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 a 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

Not sure which Calamagrostis - Reed Grass to pick?
Compare All Calamagrostis - Reed Grass

Buy Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' (Feather Reed Grass)

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 Calamagrostis - 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" (45cm – 60cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
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 Deer, Drought, 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

Buy Plants

Great Plant Combination Ideas with Calamagrostis - Reed Grass

Guides with Calamagrostis - Reed Grass


Botanik Foto, Ball Horticultural Inc.

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.


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 Calamagrostis - 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" (45cm – 60cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
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 Deer, Drought, 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

Great Plant Combination Ideas with Calamagrostis - Reed Grass

Guides with Calamagrostis - Reed Grass

Plant Calculator

How many Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' (Feather Reed Grass) do I need for my garden?

%
ft
ft

Your Shopping List

Plant Quantity
Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' (Feather Reed Grass)

Find your Hardiness Zone

Find your Climate Zone

Find your Heat Zone

Join Gardenia.net

Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.

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.

Join now and start creating your dream garden!

Create a New Collection

Optional. For your reference.


Move Selected Plants to a Different Collection


Delete Collection

This field is required.

Rename Collection

This field is required.