Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' | Foerster's Feather Reed Grass
DESCRIPTION
Calamagrostis × acutiflora 'Karl Foerster’ originated in Europe and was named after the renowned German nurseryman Karl Foerster. It blooms in early summer, producing narrow, upright flower spikes that emerge a soft purplish-green before maturing to a golden wheat color by late summer. The vertical form and graceful movement of the flower plumes add both structure and softness to the landscape.
What makes 'Karl Foerster' stand out is its reliably upright habit, which resists flopping even after heavy rain, maintaining a tidy, architectural silhouette. It offers year-round interest, with the golden seed heads persisting into winter, catching the light and adding texture to the garden. This grass is also known for its early bloom time compared to other ornamental grasses, making it a dynamic choice for mixed borders and naturalistic plantings.
DESCRIPTION
Calamagrostis × acutiflora 'Karl Foerster’ originated in Europe and was named after the renowned German nurseryman Karl Foerster. It blooms in early summer, producing narrow, upright flower spikes that emerge a soft purplish-green before maturing to a golden wheat color by late summer. The vertical form and graceful movement of the flower plumes add both structure and softness to the landscape.
What makes 'Karl Foerster' stand out is its reliably upright habit, which resists flopping even after heavy rain, maintaining a tidy, architectural silhouette. It offers year-round interest, with the golden seed heads persisting into winter, catching the light and adding texture to the garden. This grass is also known for its early bloom time compared to other ornamental grasses, making it a dynamic choice for mixed borders and naturalistic plantings.
DESCRIPTION
Calamagrostis × acutiflora 'Karl Foerster’ originated in Europe and was named after the renowned German nurseryman Karl Foerster. It blooms in early summer, producing narrow, upright flower spikes that emerge a soft purplish-green before maturing to a golden wheat color by late summer. The vertical form and graceful movement of the flower plumes add both structure and softness to the landscape.
What makes 'Karl Foerster' stand out is its reliably upright habit, which resists flopping even after heavy rain, maintaining a tidy, architectural silhouette. It offers year-round interest, with the golden seed heads persisting into winter, catching the light and adding texture to the garden. This grass is also known for its early bloom time compared to other ornamental grasses, making it a dynamic choice for mixed borders and naturalistic plantings.
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Family: Poaceae
Height: 4 to 6 feet
Width: 2 to 3 feet
Foliage color: Green
Flower color: Pink-purple tinged turning to blonde-tan
Bloom time: May to September
Light requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Water requirements: Average
Maintenance: Low; cut back old stems to 2 to 3 inches above ground level in early spring
Growing zone: USDA zones 4 to 9
Wildlife attractors: Attracts birds; deer resistant
