Karl Foerster Reed Grass
Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster'
$26.00 – $54.00
Dramatic red-copper plumes are eye catching during the early to mid summer months; a cool weather performer that looks wonderful in fresh or dried flower arrangements, borders or garden landscapes; heat tolerant and low maintenance
Features and Growing Tips
Note: Each live plant is unique and may differ from the photo while maintaining its beauty. Plants come in a plastic pot; other items in images are not included.
Landscape Qualities
Karl Foerster Reed Grass is an herbaceous perennial grass with an upright spreading habit of growth. It brings an extremely fine and delicate texture to the garden composition and should be used to full effect.
Ornamental Qualities
Karl Foerster Reed Grass is primarily grown for its highly ornamental fruit. The tan seed heads are carried on showy plumes displayed in abundance from late summer to late winter. It features bold plumes of brick red flowers with coppery-bronze overtones rising above the foliage in mid summer. Its grassy leaves are green in color. The foliage often turns tan in fall. The gold stems can be quite attractive.
Planting and Growing
Karl Foerster Reed Grass will grow to be about 4 feet tall at maturity | with a spread of 32 inches. It tends to be leggy | with a typical clearance of 1 foot from the ground | and should be underplanted with lower-growing perennials. It grows at a medium rate | and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years. As an herbaceous perennial | this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter | and will regrow from the base each spring. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen!
This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist locations | and should do just fine under typical garden conditions. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This particular variety is an interspecific hybrid. It can be propagated by division; however | as a cultivated variety | be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation.
Plant Facts
Prefers full sun to partial shade
Keep moisture level dry to moist
Mature Size 5'Hx32"W
Flowers are brick red
Flowers in mid summer
Fall color tan
Zone 3a
Likes average to moist soil