Feather reed grass Interesting Notes

Calamagrostis x acutlflora ‘Karl Foerster’ is a long-blooming, low maintenance, long-lived perennial grass for full sun to partial shade. This grass grows best in well-drained fertile soils with sufficient moisture, but will tolerate heavier clay soils and drier sites.

Fertilizer may be required to produce maximum height. Low fertility will result in shorter plants. It is usually free of serious disease or insect problems although a foliar rust disease can occur in wet summers in situations with poor air circulation. Little maintenance is required except to cut back the stems to about 6 inches in late winter or early spring. In areas with mild winters the foliage may remain evergreen. This ornamental grass is a cool-season grass, which allows planting or transplanting in spring or fall. Sterility eliminates any chance of this cultivar becoming an invasive plant or create unwanted seedlings in the garden.

Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’ Growing and Maintenance Tips

Calamagrostis prefers somewhat fertile, moist, well-drained soils, but can tolerate heavy clay soils. Propagate by dividision of clumps every few years and cutstems down to the ground in early spring before newgrowth occurs. This selection is sterile, so mass planting can be done without fear of invasiveness. Most effective as a vertical accent in the garden, as a screen or in containers.