Karl Foerster' Reed Grass

Discover Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster', a majestic ornamental grass that brings natural elegance and subtle movement to any garden. Also known as Feather Reed Grass, this hardy and easy-care plant is prized for its upright clumps and feathery plumes that add airy texture and constant visual interest to landscape design, even in winter.

Characteristics

• Foliage : The narrow, linear leaves of 'Karl Foerster' form vibrant green clumps that remain attractive throughout the growing season. In autumn, they turn a golden hue, adding beautiful colour and visual interest in late season.
• Bloom : In early summer (typically June), slender, feathery plumes appear above the foliage. These inflorescences, often starting with a slight rosy or purplish tint, gradually turn golden brown as they mature, adding an extra dimension of visual appeal and movement.
• Light : Prefers full sun to partial shade. Full sun is ideal for promoting an upright habit and abundant flowering.
• Habit : It is distinguished by its vertical stature and upright, columnar habit. It forms non-invasive clumps that stay neatly in place.
• Growth : Its growth is considered moderate. It will quickly reach its mature height and spread once established.
• Humidity : Prefers well-drained soils and tolerates some drought once established. It does not like standing moisture.
• Soil : Adapts to a variety of soil conditions, but prefers well-drained soil.
• Temperature : This is a very hardy grass. It is adapted to cold winters and temperate climates.
• Watering : Requires regular watering during establishment. Once well-established, it is drought-tolerant and only needs occasional watering during prolonged dry periods.

Uses

• Types of Use : Extremely versatile, Calamagrostis 'Karl Foerster' is ideal as a central element or "vertical accent" in a perennial border, for structuring garden edges, creating natural privacy screens, or bringing an architectural touch to a modern landscape or grass garden. It is also used in urban landscaping for its pollution tolerance.
• Decorative Advantages : Its verticality, feathery plumes that sway with the wind, and golden autumn colour add grace, movement, and lasting visual interest from spring through winter, even under snow.

Care

• Fertilization : A light fertilization in spring with a balanced granular fertilizer can promote healthy growth, but is not always necessary in average soil.
• Pruning : The main maintenance task is to cut back the plant in early spring (before new green shoots appear), cutting all dead stems to the ground. This allows for fresh new growth and a clean habit.
• Planting :
  • Distance : Plant them about 60 to 90 cm (2 to 3 feet) apart to form individual clumps or to create a denser linear hedge.
  • Depth : Plant the root ball at the same level as in the original container.
  • Period : Spring or early fall are the best times for planting.