Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster'

As an exclamation point in a border, Feather Reed Grass is one of our favorites because of its upright habit and good manners. Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' forms neat clumps of foliage 18–24" tall. In June, the toasty brown, feathery flower spikes rise to 5' or more. By August they are narrow shafts of a buff color. Despite their delicate and graceful appearance, they hold their shape through the winter.

Calamagrostis is a genus of about 250 perennial Grasses from a variety of habitats in Europe, Asia, and Central and North America that are commonly called Reed Grass. They are primarily cool-season growers that establish their growth early in the spring, bloom in spring or early summer, slow down in hot weather. Plants can be clump-forming or rhizomatous and range from sod-forming turf grasses to statuesque architectural standouts. Tall plumes, that stand above lower basal foliage of cultivated varieties, form seed heads that retain their ornamental value through the winter. They prefer full sun to light-shade and thrive in moist, well-drained soils, though they are adaptable to a variety of soil types. Plant these tall-blooming Grasses as a hedge or screen, as we do in the perennial border surrounded by tall-flowering plants, as a sculptural focal point, or even in a large container. These versatile Grasses add a strong structural element to the landscape and provide year-round interest.

For information on the growing and care of Calamagrostis, click Growing Guide.