Photo of Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' landscape by Karl Gercens III

Photo by Karl Gercens III

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Buy Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster'

Also Known As

  • Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerester'
  • Karl Foerester Feather Reed Grass

Plant type

perennial, grass / grass like

size

  • H: 3'-5'
  • W: 1'-2'

planting zones

  • 4a-10b

3" | $12

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Fewer than 20 at Secret Garden Growers

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Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' plant details

Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' is a fast-growing deciduous or semi-evergreen perennial grass (or grassy in appearance) with green foliage. In fall tan flowers emerge. Features grassy texture. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and even moisture - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average, clay, gritty, lean and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant, humidity tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster'

Plant type: perennial grass (or grassy in appearance)
Plant family: poaceae
Foliage: deciduous or semi-evergreen green
Mature size: 1 FT - 2 FT - wide, 3 FT - 5 FT - tall
Flowers: tan blooms in fall
Uses: border plant, container plant, easy-to-grow, fall color, year-round-interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster'

USDA Zones: 4a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: even moisture - low
Resistant to: deer and rabbit, heat, humidity and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average, clay, gritty, lean and well-drained

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Nursery contributed plant descriptions

A non-invasive grass, ornamental throughout the year with loose, fan-shaped flowers on 5' stalks which turn yellow during the summer and then open again for interest through fall into winter. S-PSh/M
Easy to grow in areas with adequate year round moisture, will even thrive in clay soils. Nice uniform clumps of narrow, vertical, bright green leaves 3’ tall and 2’ wide are topped by 5’ tall feathery plumes in summer with pink or purple hues, the seed heads dry and last well into fall/winter. Best in full sun and most soils, moist to wet (even pond edges or stream banks). I do have some customers that swear these tolerate some drought, but they sulk for us without plenty for moisture. Looks best in groups of at least 3. This is technically evergreen but cut back in early spring for a fresh flush of foliage; deer resistant.
Calamagrostis acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' is an herbaceous grass that displays stiff, upright leaf blades in spring, followed by 6" tall flower stalks in summer. Green-purple plumes turn gold in late summer. They remain interesting well into winter. Ornamental Grasses are low maintenance and grow well in most soil types. They look beautiful, adding color, height, and movement to your garden. Feather Reed Grass is an excellent companion plant with contrasting foliage.
This grass is an excellent, versatile, vertical accent for many applications. Brownish-tan feathery, waving seed heads in late summer and fall are a striking feature. Clumping perennial, 4'T. Sorry, grasses and sedges cannot be shipped to California.Minimum temperature: -30 °F
Ornamental grass with erect clumps of green blades that are topped with flower panicles up to 15" long starting in the early summer. Flowers are pinkish green, turning to straw colored, and maintain ornamental value until late winter. This slow-spreading, clump-forming, cool season ornamental grass is a great pick for heavy clay soils. Will not self seed in the landscape - seeds are sterile. Growth Rate fast
This deep green, upright grass provides a graceful, tall accent in the garden. It blooms early in the spring, with feathery, purple-tinted inflorescences, up to 6' tall, which fade to buff by late summer. Tolerant of a wide range of conditions, from full sun to partial shade.

By: Greer Gardens Inc.

Gardening facts about Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' plant

How to Grow Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster'

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly sun
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - drought tolerant
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant
    • humidity tolerant
    • verticillium wilt resistant
  • Soil Needs

    • clay
    • adaptable
    • average
    • lean
    • well-drained
    • gritty

Features

  • Wildlife

    • deer resistant
    • rabbit resistant
  • Texture

    • grassy
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
    • semi-evergreen
  • Flower Season

    • fall
  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • tan
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