Calamagrostis 'Karl Foerster' (Feather Reed Grass)

Calamagrostis 'Karl Foerster' (Feather Reed Grass) Details

Calamagrostis ‘Karl Foerster’, commonly known as the Feather Reed Grass, is an impressive and colourful ornamental grass. It produces upright and lush, dark green leaves which are complemented with soft and feathery flowers in summer. The showy blooms are initially green but age to a wheat-brown colour. It grows as a clump to about 1.2 m tall and 60 cm wide and is usually trimmed to just above ground level each winter. Feather Reed Grass grows best on a well-drained site in full sun or partial shade, though it is tolerant of a wide range of soils, barring extreme wet and dry, as well as frost, wind, and coastal conditions. Calamagrostis ‘Karl Foerster’ provides an outstanding display when mass planted, and is often planted in clusters, included in borders, used as a groundcover, added to a mixed planting, or planted on a bank. It is a popular plant with landscape designer across NZ due to its lush and elegant nature.

Calamagrostis ‘Karl Foerster’ Care

Caring for Calamagrostis ‘Karl Foerster’ is about getting a few of the basics right. That is, make sure it is planted in full sun and that the soil drains well. Heavy, clay soils will probably see the plants dies a slow death. This American native does not like too much water, so aim to water only during dry periods and while it establishes after planting. A light dressing of garden fertiliser should be applied to the soil surface after planting and once a year thereafter in spring. Don’t be tempted to overdo the fertiliser as this can burn the roots. Placing mulch around the plants will help with weed control, conserve soil moisture, and make the garden look tidier also. With a little care you will grow amazing ‘Karl Foerster’ Calamagrostis plants.