A strongly vertical clumping grass with stiff upright stems carrying feathery flower spikes that mature to golden wheat tones. Sterile and non-seeding, it makes an architectural, low-care exclamation point in borders.
At a glance
- Plant type: Ornamental grass
- Mature size: 1.5 m H × 60 cm W
- Aspect: full sun and part shade or morning sun
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Feather Reed Grass 'Karl Foerster'
Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' is an moderate-growing ornamental grass in the Poaceae family. It reaches around 1.5 m tall and 60 cm wide at maturity, with deciduous foliage. Pink and cream green flowers appear in summer.
Where to grow Feather Reed Grass 'Karl Foerster'
Feather Reed Grass 'Karl Foerster' suits warm-temperate and cool-temperate climates and grows best in full sun and part shade or morning sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters.
Soil & planting
Feather Reed Grass 'Karl Foerster' does best in clay and free-draining soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Feather Reed Grass 'Karl Foerster' is regular, moderate watering. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Feather Reed Grass 'Karl Foerster' after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Feather Reed Grass 'Karl Foerster' in the garden
Feather Reed Grass 'Karl Foerster' earns its place for a feature or specimen planting, cut flowers for the vase and a windbreak.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Feather Reed Grass 'Karl Foerster' with other plants that enjoy the same regular, moderate watering and warm-temperate climate. Group three or five together for impact rather than dotting single plants through the garden.
Buying Feather Reed Grass 'Karl Foerster'
Plant Sale lists Feather Reed Grass 'Karl Foerster' as potted plants. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it lands.