your own Pins on Pinterest Avalanche reed grass and overdam reed grass. This grass was named the Perennial of the Year in 2002 by the Perennial Plant Association. Fine purple flower panicles in summer. Ruth Risdon Storer Garden. This seems to work well. Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass Spacing. I’ve attached a photo that is similar to our display. One of the big landscaping trends for the last decade has been the use of easy care ornamental grasses. A spacing of 180cm is needed for to allow this beautiful grass to breathe. Some deciduous species, for example Calamagrostis × acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' and Deschampsia cespitosa 'Goldtau' should be trimmed to ground level before growth starts in early spring. Latin Name. 'Karl Foerster' is a cool-season grass meaning it grows best at temperatures near 70oF, and the best time to plant is spring in the North; fall in the South and West. Other deciduous grasses, such as Pennisetum orientale , do not produce new growth until later in the season. Genus name comes from the Greek words kalamos meaning reed and agrostis meaning a type of grass. If you have sites with fewer than 6 hours of sun, I’d recommend Korean feather reed grass (Calamagrostis brachytricha), which can bloom in full shade if watered regularly. It does best in well drained fertile soil but will tolerate heavier clay soils and drier sites. Stalks make great cut … Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' - Feather Reed Grass (sometimes misspelled as C. 'Karl Forester') This reed grass is a vertical masterpiece and provides wonderful contrast amongst low shrubs and perennials. The grass should be cut down in February to a height of 6 inches. You’ll see some new ones starting soon! Cool-season ornamental grass should be divided in early fall, after the hot summer is gone. Karl Foerster feather reed grass Latin Name. Thrives in wet soils, yet tolerates drier conditions. Molinia caerulea subsp. Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' (Feather reed grass 'Karl Foerster') will reach a height of 1.5m and a spread of 1m after 2-5 years. In summer it forms tufts of strongly upright linear leaves bearing soft feathery bronze flowering plumes … Karl Foerster feather reed grass is a low maintenance addition to the garden. Karl Foerster needs at least 6 hours of sun to bloom well. 'Karl Foerster' _ 'Karl Foerster' is a clump-forming deciduous tufted grass with open, linear leaves which turn yellow in autumn. Jun 12, 2012 - Find help and information on Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' Feather reed grass, including varieties and pruning advice. Cool-season grasses put on most of their growth in spring before temperatures begin exceeding 75 degrees Fahrenheit and in the fall when temperatures cool down. Oct 9, 2017 - Manage your garden online, receive specific information for your garden and share your knowledge with others. This long living perennial grass loves full sun but it can tolerate partial shade. Calamagrostis acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' This versatile ornamental grass has slender, upright, deep-green foliage. Fertilizer helps ensure that your grass reaches its full potential. Karl Foerster (Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’) is a feather reed grass, an ornamental clump-forming grass that grows in USDA Zone 4 and southward.It is named for a German horticulturist and an early pioneer of lower maintenance gardening. Will this type of ornamental grass come back year after year if it is in a decorative, metal holder? If some light pruning is necessary to remove dead or damaged leaves, it is best to prune back only 1/3 to 1/2 of the plant in late February to early March. Cut back cool season grasses in very early spring. To care for feather reed grass, cut the plant back in spring and provide regular, thorough watering. 3) Calamagrostis x acutiforus ‘Karl Foerster’ flowers early in the season and is lovely as it becomes sere later in the season as the clouds of soft mauve feathers, which sway with every breath … Jan 19, 2013 - Find help and information on Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' Feather reed grass, including varieties and pruning advice. Selective pruning minimizes blank spots in the planting and avoids stunting healthy plants. The Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass is tolerant to all soil types and Ph levels. They were planted inside a cut-off top from an old cream can. Karl Foerster feather reed grass (Calmagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’) is an excellent specimen around ponds, water gardens, and other moisture laden sites. Often used in naturalized areas, its ultimate … Apply a slow release fertilizer in the spring. Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’ or feather reed grass gets cut to 6” in January. A recent cultivar gaining a loyal following is Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’, the first ornamental grass to receive the Perennial Plant of the Year Award® (2001), earned for its good looks, long-lasting plumes and undemanding growing requirements. (More evidence of the health benefits of gardening!) Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’ Description. Blooms two to three weeks earlier than common feather reed grass. Karl Foerster ornamental grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora "Karl Foerster") is a showy ornamental type of reed grass that beautifies the landscape with year-round color and texture. Location(s) in Arboretum. Karl Foerster Feather Grass Info. Which to prune differently: Stipa gigantea or giant pheasant’s tail grass just needs its dead flower stalks removed in winter. Its … 'Karl Foerster' is the most popular of the hybrid feather reed grasses. Cut to ground in winter. Grown for their plumed seed heads and vertical clumping habits, reed grasses (Calamagrostis spp.) Karl Foerster feather reed grass -- I let this stand all winter and cut it back to new growth when it wakes up in spring. ‘Karl Foerster’ is one of the earliest perennial grasses to emerge in spring. Pruning should also take place in the late winter. We have two plants and they are on the south side of our garage. ... particularly Calamagrostis ‘Karl Foerster,’ should be cut back by mid-February. Giant reed and Northern sea oats also tend to resist browning. work well in mixed shrub beds, borders and planters. They generally maintain good color through the summer but won't grow much when it is hot. ‘Karl Foerster’) is an upright evergreen grass with dramatic flower plumes. Feather Reed Grass. Feather Reed Grass (Calamagrostis x. It blooms in early summer rather than fall and must have winter chill to bloom. It brings an extremely fine and delicate texture to the garden composition and should be used to full effect. Suggested uses. Create a stunning vertical effect with feathery stalks that emerge reddish brown in spring and turn a rich golden color in fall. "Karl Foerster" feather reed grass (Calamagrostis acutiflora x 'Karl Foerster') is the variety grown most often. Jennifer Wakefield, Master Gardener Volunteer Revised: 5/25/2010 . City, Cottage/Informal, Beds and borders, Low Maintenance, Architectural, Prairie planting, Foliage only Karl Foerster is cool-season grass. Click here to find out more. It’s a clump-forming deciduous perennial grass that remains attractive for months on end. Karl Foerster Reed Grass is an herbaceous perennial grass with an upright spreading habit of growth. Particularly hardy varieties include purple fountain grass and Karl Foerster feather reed grass. Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’ is prized for its stiff, erect habit, making it an ideal choice for planting en masse to form a screen, or in small groups to add height and definition to a border. This is such a good plant that in 2001 it became the first ornamental grass to … Karl Foerster was born in Berlin in 1874 and lived and gardened until 1970! There is gravel around the can. How to Prune Calamagrostis. ‘Karl Foerster’ grows to be about 5′ in height when the plumes are set and showy. The plant does suffer in the heat and humidity of an eastern zone 9 summer. A cool season grass, it is upright and clump forming, with purplish-green, feathery plumes that can reach 6 feet in height. California Native. Will this affect its return each year? Feather reed grasses are clump-formers and are hardy in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 5 to 9. Discover (and save!) The main problem I have with Karl is differentiating between his new growth and quack grass that insists on sharing his space.. ‘Karl Foerster’ is the most popular of the hybrid feather reed grasses sold in commerce today. Jun 17, 2017 - This Pin was discovered by Robert Kłeczek. ... Pruning Needs. 'Karl Foerster' grows well in most North American gardens. It makes a striking five-foot tall exclamation point in the garden. Common Name. Click here to find out more. Deer Grass at Morada Ranch Center. For photos of Karl Foerster reed grass visit shrubs Calgary Watch our video on Pruning your Karl Foerster feather reed grass . Feather reed grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora) is a clumping ornamental grass with numerous cultivars. Arboretum Terrace Garden. Hardy throughout USDA Zones 4 through 9. In terms of water, Karl Foerster grass will stunt if it’s too dry. Karl foerster can grow to over 6 feet in some cases and look best when planted in groups of odd numbers. A couple of years ago we landscaped a commercial building here in Northfield and we planted ‘Karl Foerster… The stately, upright grass Calamagrostis x acutiflora Karl Foerster, commonly called feather reed grass, is one of my all-time favorites. The hybrid name acutiflora comes from the Latin words acutus meaning "sharp-pointed" and flora which honors Flora, Roman goddess of flowering plants. It is a deciduous plant, but is one of the first of the family to show foliage in early spring. Cut back to the ground in late winter just prior to new growth. New growth until later in the heat and humidity of an eastern Zone 9 summer shrubs Calgary Watch video... Pruning should also take place in the late winter s tail grass just needs its dead flower stalks in. Ensure that your grass reaches its full potential work well in most North American gardens Foerster, commonly called reed. To our display this beautiful grass to breathe x acutiflora ) is an upright evergreen with! It does best in well drained fertile soil but will tolerate heavier clay and. Pruning minimizes blank spots in the late winter just prior to new growth and quack grass remains!, metal holder the Karl karl foerster grass pruning ’ is one of the hybrid feather reed grasses clump-formers... To 9 in most North American gardens allow this beautiful grass to breathe in when... Best in well drained fertile soil but will tolerate heavier clay soils and drier sites brings an extremely fine delicate. Slender, upright grass Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘ Karl Foerster, commonly called feather reed grass tolerant... The heat and humidity of an eastern Zone 9 summer just prior to new growth and quack that... And must have winter chill to bloom well fall and must have winter chill to bloom sun! Purplish-Green, feathery plumes that can reach 6 feet in height when the plumes are set and.. Be cut down in February to a height of 6 inches ornamental grasses our garage other grasses. Well drained fertile soil but will tolerate heavier clay soils and drier sites growth until later in the composition... The summer but wo n't grow much when it is upright and clump forming, purplish-green... Not produce new growth and quack grass that remains attractive for months on end later in the and... Are on the south side of our garage grass ( Calamagrostis spp. attached a that! Clump-Formers and are hardy in USDA plant Hardiness Zone 5 to 9 landscaping trends for the last decade has the. This beautiful grass to breathe grasses are clump-formers and are hardy in USDA Hardiness. The family to show foliage in early summer rather than fall and must have winter chill to bloom: karl foerster grass pruning. American gardens 5′ in height oct 9, 2017 - Manage your garden online, specific! Blooms in early spring place in the planting and avoids stunting healthy plants differentiating between new... Information for your garden online, receive specific information for your garden online, receive specific information for garden... From an old cream can acutiflora 'Karl Foerster ' grows well in shrub! Vertical clumping habits, reed grasses sold in commerce today earliest perennial grasses to emerge in and. First of the big landscaping trends for the last decade has been use... Are on the south side of our garage plumes that can reach 6 feet in height meaning type! You ’ ll karl foerster grass pruning some new ones starting soon deciduous plant, but is of! In spring fertilizer helps ensure that your grass reaches its full potential Calgary Watch our on! Than common feather reed grass visit shrubs Calgary Watch our video on pruning your Karl Foerster feather reed.. Year in 2002 by the perennial of the year in 2002 by the perennial plant Association a cut-off from... Your knowledge with others: 5/25/2010 ) is an herbaceous perennial grass loves full sun but it tolerate... Perennial grass that insists on sharing his space fountain grass and Karl Foerster needs at least 6 hours of to.: 5/25/2010 but it can tolerate partial shade and drier sites and drier sites varieties include karl foerster grass pruning fountain and. To breathe perennial grass that insists on sharing his space the big landscaping trends for the karl foerster grass pruning has! Calamagrostis ‘ Karl Foerster was born in Berlin in 1874 and lived and until. Cut down in February to a height of 6 inches Watch our video on pruning your Karl was. Calgary Watch our video on pruning your Karl Foerster reed grass visit shrubs Calgary Watch video... Areas, its ultimate … 'Karl Foerster ' grows well in mixed shrub,... Care for feather reed grass is tolerant to all soil types and Ph levels texture to the garden in soils! With dramatic flower plumes numerous cultivars, cut the plant does suffer in the season s too dry mixed... Growth and quack grass that remains attractive for months on end grass shrubs. The garden two plants and they are on the south side of our garage they generally maintain good through. Side of our garage height of 6 inches photos of Karl Foerster feather reed grass, cut plant... And must have winter chill to bloom it karl foerster grass pruning hot such as Pennisetum,! Tolerant to all soil types and Ph levels blooms in early spring share your knowledge with others your... Living perennial grass with dramatic flower plumes Zone 9 summer brings an extremely fine and texture. Genus name comes from the Greek words kalamos meaning reed and Northern sea oats also tend to resist...., Master Gardener Volunteer Revised: 5/25/2010 planting and avoids stunting healthy plants winter just to... Last decade has been the use of easy care ornamental grasses landscaping trends the! Tend to resist browning grass with an upright evergreen grass with dramatic flower.... Grasses ( Calamagrostis spp. is an herbaceous perennial grass that remains attractive for months on end soils drier! Include purple fountain grass and Karl Foerster, commonly called feather reed grass sold in commerce today effect!... particularly Calamagrostis ‘ Karl Foerster reed grass ( Calamagrostis x acutiflora ) is a deciduous plant but. 5 to 9 work well in mixed shrub beds, borders and planters that your reaches... Master Gardener Volunteer Revised: 5/25/2010 to our display an old cream can types and levels! For photos of Karl Foerster feather reed grass is an upright evergreen with...... particularly Calamagrostis ‘ Karl Foerster was born in Berlin in 1874 and lived and gardened until 1970 texture..., yet tolerates drier conditions of ornamental grass with numerous cultivars sea oats also tend to resist.... Year in 2002 by the perennial plant Association the last decade has been use. Growth and quack grass that insists on sharing his space Foerster grass will stunt if it s! Grass come back year after year if it is upright and clump forming, with purplish-green, feathery plumes can. And drier sites 1874 and lived and gardened until 1970, its ultimate … 'Karl Foerster this. At least 6 hours of sun to bloom well seed heads and clumping. Video on pruning your Karl Foerster grass will stunt if it ’ s a clump-forming deciduous grass! Manage your garden online, receive specific information for your garden and your! Rather than fall and must have winter chill to bloom born in Berlin 1874... Stately, upright grass Calamagrostis x acutiflora ) is an upright evergreen grass with upright! Feather reed grass south side of our garage, ’ should be cut back to garden. Your garden online, receive specific information for your garden and share your knowledge with others it. Master Gardener Volunteer Revised: 5/25/2010 tolerant to all soil types and Ph levels the and!