Plant of the Month – September
0‘Karl Foerster’ Feather Reed Grass
Calamagrostis x acutifolia ‘Karl Foerster’
- Plant Form: Ornamental grass
- Water Use: Low, Moderate
- Mature Size: 3-5 ft. tall x 2-3 ft. wide
- Exposure: Full sun, part sun
- Bloom Time: Summer (June-August)
- Native to: Hybrid from Eurasian parents
- Hardiness: Cold hardy to -30°F
Grasses are not necessarily boring clumps of narrow leaves. Some ornamental grasses are prized for their dramatic structure in the landscape, as is “Karl Foerster’ Feather Reed Grass. Its feathery plumes of tan flower stalks make a striking accent in the garden, as well as in cut flower arrangements. Planted singly or in masses, you will love the effect that this bunch grass lends to your garden.
‘Karl Foerster’ Feather Reed Grass, one of the most popular ornamental grasses worldwide, may be the most useful plant available to create bold vertical structure in our gardens. Its erect, feathery plumes sway gracefully in the slightest breeze, but even strong winds and rain don’t daunt its narrow, upright form. Slim, tan flower spikes of this sterile hybrid complement its dark green foliage. This long-lived bunchgrass adapts to most climates, and tolerates soil types from gravel to clay, accepting full sun but appreciating part shade during our hot summers. Its flower stalks make beautiful fresh or dried cut flower arrangements. To keep this bunchgrass tidy, trim down to the base in late winter before new spring shoots appear. Use in masses, groups, or as a single specimen for a special accent, or along borders and walkways, on slopes, in raised planters and containers, near pools and water features, and as a living screen. This grass makes an excellent vertical accent for narrow spaces in the landscape.
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