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Arborvitae Trees

Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass

Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster'

8 reviews

Perennials
Arborvitae Trees
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Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass

Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster'

8 reviews

Perennials
  • Tall and elegant ornamental grass
  • Drought tolerant and low maintenance
  • Beautiful, feathery plumes in late summer
  • Ships to 43215 in 3 to 7 days
  • Free Shipping Over $150
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  • In Stock

$50.00

$72.00

30% Off

  • 1 Gallon
  • 2.5 Gallon
  • 2.5 Qt.
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Why Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass?

Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass is a popular ornamental grass because of its tall, slender growth and attractive colors. This grass grows up to 5 feet tall and produces beautiful plumes of feathery flowers in the summer months. It is drought-tolerant, low-maintenance, and can be grown in a variety of soil types. The Karl Foerster cultivar is particularly prized for its upright growth habit, making it a great choice for adding vertical interest to garden beds or as a screen or border plant.

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Sunlight

Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass thrives in full sun.

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Watering

Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass, or Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster,' requires regular watering. It prefers consistently moist soil but can tolerate short periods of drought once established.

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Fertilizing

The fertilizer requirement for Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass is a well-balanced, slow-release fertilizer. It should be applied in early spring just before new growth emerges to provide essential nutrients for healthy growth and flowering.

The Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass is a must-have for any garden! This ornamental grass thrives in a range of climates, from cool northern regions to warmer southern areas. It is adaptable to both full sun and partial shade, making it suitable for a variety of growing conditions. With its preference for moist, well-drained soil, Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass can be planted in clay, loam, or sandy soil. Its adaptability extends to both acidic and alkaline soils, allowing it to thrive in different garden settings. The Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass can be grown in USDA zones 4 to 9. 

Maintenance for Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass is relatively low. Once it's established, it requires minimal watering and benefits from annual pruning to maintain its shape and tidy appearance. Its upright growth habit minimizes the need for extensive grooming, making it a hassle-free addition to the garden.

In terms of aesthetic appeal, this grass boasts slender, upright blades that transition from green to bronze in the fall, adding visual interest year-round. During the summer, it produces tall and feathery plumes that sway gracefully in the breeze, creating movement and texture in the garden. Its vertical growth habit adds height and structure to the landscape, making it an eye-catching addition.

The versatility of Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass extends to landscape design. It can be used as a focal point in the garden, planted in groups for mass planting, or even added to containers for vertical interest. Its elegant appearance makes it a great choice for borders, rock gardens, and water features. It can also serve as a privacy screen or windbreak, enhancing the functionality of your outdoor space.

Beyond its aesthetic and versatility, Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass also attracts wildlife. The feathery plumes of the grass have a magnetic appeal for birds. Birds are drawn to this grass for nesting and feeding purposes, making it a delightful addition for bird enthusiasts.

Enhance your garden with the beauty, adaptability, and low maintenance of Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass. It is sure to add charm and visual interest while attracting delightful wildlife to your outdoor space.

 

Plant Information:

Botanical Name: Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster'
USDA Zones: 4-9
Water: Low
Exposure: Full Sun
Soil Needs: Well-Drained
Mature Height: 4 - 5 feet
Mature Spread: 18 - 24 inches
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Pollination Info

Pollination Information for Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass

Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster') is primarily pollinated by the wind. It is a self-incompatible plant, meaning that it requires pollen from a different plant in order to produce viable seeds.

Pollination Process

The male flowers of Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass produce pollen, which is carried by the wind to the female flowers on a different plant. The pollen then fertilizes the ovules in the female flowers, which eventually develop into seeds.

Attracting Pollinators

Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass does not rely on pollinators for reproduction, but it can still attract beneficial insects to the garden. The flowers provide a source of nectar for bees and butterflies, making it a great addition to a pollinator garden.

Cross-Pollination

Cross-pollination can occur between different varieties of Calamagrostis x acutiflora, so it's important to keep plants of different varieties at a distance from each other to prevent unwanted hybridization.

Propagation

Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass can be propagated through division or from seed. However, the resulting plants may not be true to the parent plant due to cross-pollination.

FAQ

Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster') FAQ

What is Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass?

Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass is a perennial ornamental grass known for its upright habit and feather-like seed heads. It is a hybrid variety that was developed in Germany in the 1930s by Karl Foerster.

How big does Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass get?

Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass can grow up to 4-5 feet in height and 2-3 feet in width at maturity.

What is the hardiness zone for Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass?

Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass is hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 5-9.

What kind of soil is best for Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass?

Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, but does best in moist, fertile soils.

Does Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass need full sun?

Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass prefers full sun, but can tolerate partial shade.

How often should I water Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass?

Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass prefers consistently moist soil, but can tolerate periods of drought once established. It is important to water it regularly during hot, dry weather.

When should I prune Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass?

Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass should be pruned back in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Cut the stems back to within a few inches of the ground.

Is Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass invasive?

No, Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass is not considered invasive.

What are some companion plants for Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass?

Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass looks great when planted with other ornamental grasses, as well as with coneflowers, Russian sage, and yarrow.

Does Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass attract wildlife?

Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass is not a major attractant of wildlife, although birds may use it for nesting material.

Planting & Care

Planting & Care for Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster')

Planting

  • Choose a planting site with full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil.
  • Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and slightly deeper.
  • Add a layer of compost or organic matter to the bottom of the hole.
  • Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the crown is level with the soil surface.
  • Backfill the hole with soil and water thoroughly.
  • Space multiple plants 2-3 feet apart.

Care

  • Water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
  • Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.
  • Cut back old growth in late winter or early spring before new growth appears.
  • Divide the plant every 2-3 years to maintain its vigor.
  • Deadhead spent flower stalks to prevent self-seeding and promote continued blooming.

Check Out These Verified Customer Reviews:

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5 based on 8 reviews

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Marco I.

The Karl Foerster grass arrived in excellent condition, very healthy and vibrant.

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Nicole E.

I recently purchased the Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass and was pleased with its appearance and quality. The website was user-friendly, and the shipment arrived on time. Customer service was also helpful when I had a question.

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Rene R.

Beautiful and elegant grass, adds a touch of sophistication to my garden.

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