‘Karl Foerster’ Feather Reed Grass - Perfect for Every Garden
Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’
Cycling through dusty back roads, the snapping sounds of grasshoppers passing by in the wind, one can encounter fields of tall grass, swaying with the gentlest of breeze. Undulating fields colored in gold; beckoning one to meander and run their plumes through the hand. Literal images I envision when seeing ‘Karl Foerster’ feather reed grass, a debonair ornamental grass with a variety of uses in today’s landscape. ‘Karl Foerster’ is a perennial which can find a home in anyone’s garden and has a basic requirement which when met, affords it’s most outstanding performance!
With gentle, kelly green foliage, Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’ is a clump forming, cool season grass. The genus Calamagrostis is a member of the diverse Poaceae family which includes everything from common turf fescues to consumption crops, like wheat and corn. As a cool season grass, the majority of it’s growth takes place in the spring where it quickly gets it’s act together to send up arrays of pinkish/purple-tinged plumes which fade to blonde, one of the most aesthetically pleasing traits.
Clump-Forming Spring Growth
In our landscape, we utilized the grasses to ring the outer aspect of our seat wall and also in our front yard. Pictured above is their spring growth from 3 year old plants. The foliage is robust and delicate, the exact opposite of Miscanthus (maiden grass) which can impose a paper-cut like slice to an ungloved hand. Our dogs seem to enjoy the grasses too, frequently munching on the strands and even utilizing them as a seat rest.
A Popular Seat
Earning not only the 2001 Perennial of the Year award but also the Royal Horticultural Society’s Garden of Merit, ‘Karl Foerster’ tolerates a variety of locations and grows well in zones 5-11. It enjoys full to partial sun and is best placed in the garden where it can be easily visualized and appreciated. When the collection near our seat wall bloom, it is wonderful to be able to sit on the patio and enjoy the delicate seed heads which can be mesmerizing when lit by the setting sun.
Pinkish/Purple Colored Blooms
Due to it’s aesthetic versatility and hardiness, ‘Karl Foerster’ is also frequently used in commercial landscapes, looking simply stunning when planted en-masse. Several years ago, I observed the grasses at the Nashville Airport which began my desire to eventually add them to our yard.
My Initial Discovery
With such frequent use within the US, I also took to Instagram and discovered thousands who enjoy the grass by searching ever popular hashtags. Curious to know how the grass has performed and been utilized by others, I had the pleasure of connecting with several who shared with me their welcomed thoughts!
Instagram: Astayathomegardner
<—Click to follow!
Location: Detroit, Michigan USA
Kate: We have had some of our ‘Karl Foerster’ grasses for up to 4 years. I love these grasses because they’re early bloomers. We are using them as a privacy hedge in our backyard and they’re full-sized by June, which is important to us. In one spot we have them planted as a privacy hedge next to an evergreen. I actually most prefer their pink blooming stage, which for us is mid-June. They’re magical when they float in the wind and especially when backlit by sun. I also appreciate their tan, mid-summer into fall, coloring. Looks good with just about everything! We have a lot of silver and purple and I think the tan really blends well with that. This grass is an all around winner for us!
Instagram: Nickhoodgardens <—Click to follow!
Location: Wiltshire, England
Nick: I have found it is one of the best grasses around and not invasive. It always flowers and is such a good foil for other plants and compliments itself with so many perennials. I have not had any issues with disease. The grasses start off with black vertical flowers which move beautifully in the breeze then turn to a beautiful brown and open flower head. Mine have never blown over and have the most wonderful winter silhouette!
Instagram: Grassybottom <—Click to follow!
Location: Lincolnshire Wolds, UK
Richard: I have been keeping ornamental grasses for as long as I care to remember! The first border I’ve cut into the lawn at my artdeco bungalow (Grassy Bottom) is primarily filled with ‘Karl Foerster’ and it’s newly planted so it will take a couple seasons to mature. Propagating is easy as I simply divide mature clumps. I plant en-masse as it looks stunning when it billows in a breeze. It has almost year-round interest and sits well in any perennial border where it offers the eye a place to rest and acts as a focal point. I cut all my plants back to the ground in late February which is when they begin the fresh new growth. This grass really should be on everyone's list and certainly sits on my list in the top 5.
Instagram: Knutolavmoell <—Click to follow!
Location: near Mandal, Norway
Knut Olav: 'Karl Foerster' is beautiful in the spring when it is just a clump of green grass, then when it gains height, it gives those beautiful vertical lines! When the reeds start "flowering", it's like a small cloud in the garden and I love the way the reeds dance in the wind! In my gardens, rain and wind break a few reeds quite early and I have a few Miscanthus grasses as well but this never happens to them. I wouldn't give up 'Karl Foerster' though and it's easy to propagate by splitting the clumps. My experience is that it HAS to be split every few years, as it looses vigor and the clumps almost become "empty" in the center. It's a beautiful plant in the garden!
Instagram: Gardendesigndiary <—Click to follow!
Location: Sheffield, England
Lee: I’ve had ‘Karl Foerster’ grasses in my garden for four years and they have grown tall and bloomed reliably each year. I keep them mulched with bark mulch and leaf mould. The grasses are by far the first to produce fresh green growth in spring, with the panicles changing color from green to russet to pale straw. The one downside to this particular grass for me is the panicles will flop right over in rain until the wind dries them off them, which frankly makes them look a mess. Yet to my amazement each time this happens, they have this ability to slowly spring back perfectly upright, right when I think they’ve had it. I do keep them well watered after division until they put their roots down but after that, they look after themselves. I admire the structural qualities of this grass too as it has real presence when planted in groups. It was the first grass I ever bought and remains a key plant in my garden.
With such international appeal, ‘Karl Foerster’ is literally an ornamental grass which will work in any landscape. For either architectural interest, a rustic/cottage feel or even the addition of a beach vibe to the garden, excitement awaits in the spring as the grasses being their vertical ascents.
Yet to maximize their potential for bloom, the one basic requirement which must be met is…a regular soak! With our ‘Karl Foerster’ grasses, I have noticed over the 4 years we have grown them, bloom proliferation varies over the years and it is dependent on regular watering in the spring. The collection in the front of our house face due West and I turn on our soaker hose on a regular basis to entice as many blooms as possible.
Water Regularly for Maximum Potential
Due West Environment
‘Karl Foerster’ and Miniature Russian Sage
Following their bloom, I back off on supplemental watering as spring turns to summer as they withstand the heat nicely thanks to those occasional summer thunderstorms. Once fall arrives and into winter, the grass foliage browns however the vertical plumes lend a wonderful texture to their space prior to trimming the grasses down to approximately 6 inches tall late in February, just as the new year’s growth begins to take shape.
Do you have ‘Karl Foerster’ in your garden or are considering it for your landscape? Feel free to comment below or drop me a line here!