The Plant Guide

Browse the Full Plant Guide

Karl Foerster’s Feather Reed Grass

Calamagrostis  × acutiflora 'Karl Foerster'

kal-ah-mah-GROS-tiss ex ah-kew-tih-FLOOR-ah
Karl Foerster feather reed grass

Versatile, attractive and care-free ornamental grass with wheat-like appearance. Slender, upright, deep-green, lustrous foliage becomes effective by early spring and lasts all the way until winter. A cool season grass, ‘Karl Foester’ is upright and clump forming, with purplish-green, feathery plumes to 6′. It distinctively blooms in early summer rather than fall and must have winter chill to bloom. Long lived — 25 years or more. -Santa Rosa Gardens

Noteworthy CharacteristicsConsidered drought tolerant and deer resistant once established. Attracts birds to the garden.

CareLeave foliage and flowers for winter effect, cut back in early spring near ground. Does not reseed. This is an excellent choice of grass for creating a hedge, backdrop or screen effect.

PropagationDivide in mid-spring.

ProblemsErgot, powdery mildew, tar spot, smut, and foot rot can occur.

Fine Gardening Recommended Products

Morvat Heavy Duty Brass Y-Valve

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

- Instantly create two tap outlets with this ultra-durable Y hose splitter. The dual-valve design features built-in shut-off valves.
- Fitted with US Standard NH 3/4" threads for use with most water source fittings
- Screw the 2 way splitter adapter by hand or wrench with the updated hexagonal top connection. The 360° rotatable swivel connection attaches to any water source.
Buy at Amazon

XLUX Soil Moisture Meter

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

- Large and clear dial, including ten scales, plug and read
- Simply insert the moisture meter into soil and you'll get the test result instantly
- Single probe, less hurts to the roots, doesn't dig up too much soil after test
Buy at Amazon

Rain Bird PATIOKIT Drip Irrigation Patio Watering Kit

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

- Complete 42-piece drip irrigation kit eliminates watering by hand
- Provides drip irrigation for up to 6 planters
- Easy to assemble: just attach to faucet, cut tubing and connect watering devices
- Attaches easily to your outdoor faucet or hose
Buy at Amazon
  • Genus : Calamagrostis
  • Plant Width : 1 to 3 feet
  • Zones : 10, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
  • Plant Height : 3 to 6 feet
  • Tolerance : Deer Tolerant, Drought Tolerant
  • Bloom Time : Fall, Spring, Summer
  • Light : Full Sun to Partial Shade
  • Plant Type : Grasses
  • Maintenance : Low
  • Moisture : Medium Moisture
  • Flower Color : Pink
  • Characteristics : Showy Seed Heads
  • Plant Seasonal Interest : Summer Interest

Plant Characteristics are only available to Fine Gardening members

Sign up for a free trial and get instant access to our complete plant guide as well as our entire collection of articles and videos.

Start Free Trial

Already a member?

X

Related Plants

Related Articles

More From the Plant Guide

Search our database of 1738 Plants

Winter Interest

Partial Shade

Browse the Full Plant Guide

Fine Gardening Magazine

Fine Gardening – Issue 220
End-of-Season Regrets | Letter from the Editor
Fine Gardening – Issue 219
All Gardens Have Teachable Moments | Letter from the Editor
Fine Gardening – Issue 218
Gardening Against All Odds | Letter from the Editor
Fine Gardening – Issue 217
Peonies vs. Tomatoes—Discuss | Letter from the Editor
Fine Gardening

Follow

Newsletter

Membership & Magazine

Taunton Network

© 2024 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.