Company Name

Calamagrostis acutiflora Karl Foerster

2001 Perennial Plant of the Year winner.

Versatile, attractive and care-free ornamental grass with wheat-like appearnace. Slender, upright, deep-green, lustrous foliage becomes effective by early spring and lasts all the way until winter. A cool season grass, it 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.

In hotter climates, the heat of the summer will cause feather reed grass to enter what is called a summer dormancy. The plant is no longer producing foliage (leaves) at this time. It is merely resting through the heat and will resume new foliage growth in the fall when cooler temperatures are present. It is very important to keep the soil moist during the hot summer months. Irrigation is a necessity.

Prefers a moist to wet fertile soil. Will tolerate a wide range of soils, including clay-based soils. Long lived...25 years or more. Full sun to light shade. Considered drought tolerant and deer resistant once established. Attracts birds to the garden. Leave 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.

Common Name: Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass

Mature Height: 3-4'

Flowering: Vertical golden flower plumes blooming from June to July

Spacing: 2'