Now, ‘Karl Foerster’ fountain grass is the most popular perennial used in community commercial gardens! This ornamental grass is very attractive and versatile. '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. Water regularly, and more often in times of extreme heat. Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' - Feather Reed Grass. Apply a slow release fertilizer in the spring. It makes a striking five-foot tall exclamation point in the garden. In late March / early April it starts to grow and quickly forms a strong base of leaves. If the plant is dead, has dried out roots or the incorrect item was shipped just notify Plant Addicts within 3 days upon delivery. Plant in full sun to partial shade, in well-drained soils. Get the latest updates on new products and upcoming sales. It has tall red-bronze feathery flower spikes that first appear in early summer and lasts through fall. Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s). This is such a good plant that in 2001 it became the first ornamental grass to be named “Perennial Plant … For more information, please go to our Shipping & Returns page at the bottom of the website. May 4, 2014 - Explore Justin dean's board "Karl forester grass" on Pinterest. The rosy epimedium growth provides a burst of colour amongst the green foliage, from which will emerge magenta-coloured flowers from April to May. It fits nicely into narrow spaces and grows in full sun or partial shade. ‘Karl Foerster’ fountain grass is versatile and can be used as a hedge to ensure privacy, or as a specimen planting to hide an eyesore. Calamagrostis acutiflora, ‘Karl Foerster’ is a sterile hybrid so there is never a problem with it dropping seeds. The stately, upright grass Calamagrostis x acutiflora Karl Foerster, commonly called feather reed grass, is one of my all-time favorites. and lamb’s ears ( Stachys byzantina ). The Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass is tolerant to all soil types and Ph levels. Its green summer flowers fade to … Cut back to the ground in late winter just prior to new growth. Correct spacing is important to follow to ensure your plant grows and develops properly. The Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass is tolerant to all soil … In early spring, stalks rise up to 6 feet, capped with elongated, wheat-colored seed heads. Examples would be hungry animals, drought, poor soil conditions, over watering, disease, insects & many other factors. There are many reasons that the look of ‘Karl Foerster’ fountain grass is so appealing. The feather reed grass, Calamagrostis acutiflora, ‘Karl Foerster’ started the grass popularity movement when it won the Perennial Plant of the Year Award. It is aiming for a seamless appearance, space twenty-four inches, center on center. Perfect for a shady spot, this combination uses the evergreen pheasant’s tail grass ( Anemanthele lessoniana) and Epimedium x rubrum. My native roots are Northern Utah and my native naturalized roots are in Idaho around Bear Lake. Plant in part sun for best results. Simply let us know if your plant has died within one year of receiving it and we’ll get you a new one shipped out. Masses of grasses create powerful visual statements A large, dense planting of Miscanthus sinensis ‘Morning Light’, with a few perennials peeking through, makes a strong, attractive display on a hillside. Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’ is the first ornamental grass to receive the Perennial Plant of the Year Award ® (2001), earned for good looks, long-lasting plumes and undemanding growing requirements. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. For container-grown "Karl Foerster," fall works, too -- just plant one full month before your ground freezes. The erect, narrow stature adds a dramatic focal point with tall vertical lines. April 14, 2017 The only maintenance on this stunning grass is the spring “chop-job” of cutting the stems almost to the ground. Otherwise, spacing should be thirty-six inches, center on center. It’s often considered a drought-tolerant perennial but the more water it gets, the bigger it grows–just like lawn grass–so hold back on overwatering. Step 3 – Backfill with 50/50 Soil and Max Mix. When gardeners realized ‘Karl Foerster’ was also sterile and would not seed or spread by runners they welcomed it to their yards. The Karl Foerster ornamental grass can be uses as a specimen, for borders or as hedges or screens and makes a good backdrop for colorful shrubs such as roses. It is tolerant to a variety of conditions. The hybrid name acutiflora comes from the Latin words acutus meaning "sharp-pointed" and flora which honors Flora, Roman goddess of flowering plants. It grows 3 to 5 feet tall, producing cloud-like clusters of flowers in June that start green and slowly blush to … This standout grass, which was the 2001 Perennial Plant of the Year, forms gradually expanding clumps 3-4 feet tall. An early bloomer, 'Karl Foerster' is a cool season grass that grows most rapidly in the spring season and produces notably early blooms. So we will do everything in our power to do so. We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location. Details 'Karl Foerster' is a clump-forming deciduous perennial grass with flat, arching leaves to 90cm in length, and bronze flowering panicles that fade to pale brown Characteristics Foliage Deciduous Step 2 – Remove the Plant from Its Container. There are many variables outside our control and yours that can cause the demise of your plant(s). Green foliage grows in a neat, 2-foot clump. How to Plant Karl Foerster Ornamental Grass Prepare a spot where the grass will be exposed to full sunlight or partial shade. Torch-like plumes are widely used in dried flower arrangements. If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping. Plants are very resilient and will rebound quickly when cared for correctly. It does not require deadheading and attracts birds. How to Grow Foerster Feather Grass. We will cover 100% of the price of the plant but the warranty does not cover shipping cost. It is hardy and thrives in the higher elevations of the Rocky Mountains. A tall grass with long heads of golden yellow to cream-coloured plumes. Being a cool season grass, you will see most growth in the spring. 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. For the patio space you are looking for, dimensions of the area in question including … Genus name comes from the Greek words kalamos meaning reed and agrostis meaning a type of grass. This perennial grows to a height of forty-eight to seventy-two inches. ‘Karl Foerster’ is the most popular of the hybrid feather reed grasses sold in commerce today. It fits nicely into narrow spaces and grows in full sun or partial shade. You’ve undoubtedly noticed a tall, vertical grass, planted en masse, swaying in the wind at the entrance to the mall, in your neighbor’s yard, or most likely, at the Chicago Botanic Garden. There is a 25% restocking fee applied to returned plant material unless it is a quality issue. Plume-like, bronze flower spikes bloom in June and July. The unique clean freshness that this winning grass brings to the garden is another, and the winter beauty provided by this plant is unsurpassable. ‘Karl Foerster’ is one of the earliest perennial grasses to emerge in spring. Originating in Europe, it thrives in a variety of climates. For information on how to care for you new plant please check out our guide. You may also try growing Karl Foerster grass in low moisture areas but provide supplemental irrigation. Posted by Cheryl Hatfield on Mar 27th 2019. only giving this 4 stars, because I have other plants I like way more. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Nedra Secrist and PowerfulPerennials.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. Hardy throughout USDA Zones 4 through 9. Another reason that ‘Karl Foerster’ fountain grass is such a favorite in commercial and home gardens is that it is totally carefree and never needs staking or deadheading. I feel blessed that both have been the focus of my life. One of the most popular ornamental grasses worldwide, Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' (Feather Reed Grass) is a majestic ornamental grass, highly valued for its erect feathery flower plumes, moving gracefully with even the slightest breeze. Karl Foerster Grass, Calamagrostis x acutiflora, is a cool season ornamental grass that makes a great contrasting element with low growing flowering shrubs and perennial plants. Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass is the hardiest of ornamental grasses. The texture and colour of … Step 4 – Cover the Plant Area with Mulch. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), on Karl Foerster Fountain Grass – Easy Care, All-Season Beauty, Karl Foerster Fountain Grass – Easy Care, All-Season Beauty, Native Perennials – Plants That Stand the Test of Time, Filipendula – Queen of the Meadow and Meadowsweet, Yucca: A Powerful Perennial Perfect for Xeriscaping, Happily Announcing the Arrival of Infants, How to Stake Perennials - Powerful Perennials, Heliopsis ‘Summer Sun’: Vibrant Yellow All Summer, Black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia) - Powerful Perennials, Corydalis lutea: Long-Blooming Perennial Plant - Powerful Perennials, Bleeding Hearts – Dicentra Spectabilis – A Cool Weather Favorite. Calamagrostis grass like 'Avalanche' or 'Karl Foerster' would be great for screening the A/C. Fertilizing ‘Karl Foerster’ at the same time as the spring turf is more than adequate. Once established, it can tolerate short periods of drought. The warranty is purchased on a per plant basis and must be purchased at the same time as the plant purchase. It requires very little maintenance to look great. Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. In other words, I garden in challenging areas of the high valleys of the Rocky Mountains and feel gardeners need a place they can ask questions to help understand and solve the environmental dilemmas that western gardeners face. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. Select a site that is low and collects water or plant the grass near a pond or another moist location. As a teacher and gardener, my life has centered on kids and flowers, God’s greatest, most perfect triumphs. Pruning should also take place in the late winter. We encourage all plant lovers to purchase the Plant Addicts Warranty whether you’re new or an expert. ‘Karley Rose’ is the dominant plant in this hillside landscape, repeated sparingly and complemented by a variety of lower-growing, low-water and deer-resistant companions. Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. This fine grass has no serious disease or insect problems and is very deer resistant. How to Plant Karl Foerster Ornamental Grass Prepare a spot where the grass will be exposed to full sunlight or partial shade. This feather grass has stunning, tall, feathery stalks. It has multiple seasons of interest. Trimmings can be used as mulch for the gardens and nesting materials for the many birds the plant has fed throughout the winter. Plant Addicts guarantees your plant(s) will arrive happy and healthy, but the plant(s) are being shipped through the mail and accidents happen. Simply tie the cord around the base of the Karl Foerster and then trim below it. Cover the area with 3 inches of organic compost, till it in, and let winter work the soil. Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass has a stunning vertical effect with feathery stalks that emerge reddish brown in spring and turn a rich golden color in fall. The grass came in very good shape. but overall i'm very happy with my order. Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice, Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations. 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. One of the first tall grasses to bloom is ‘Karl Foerster’ Feather Reed Grass, Calamagrostis acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’. Prepare mass planting beds in fall. The plant does suffer in the heat and humidity of an eastern zone 9 summer. Anemanthele, epimedium and box. Plant bare root grasses in spring only. It is hardy and thrives in the higher elevations of the Rocky Mountains. Overall, if a gardener wants a new, different look in their garden or a carefree perennial then ‘Karl Foerster’ is the answer. Landscaping with grasses such as Karl Foerster fountain grass has become very popular with today’s homeowners. Feather Reed Grass (Calamagrostis x Acutiflora) is a clumping, ornamental grass with numerous cultivars. This is a … Quick example of how to prune back ornamental grasses like this Karl Foerster Grass or Calamagrostis acutiflora Karl Foerster is cool-season grass. Soil should be well drained and remain moist. It makes few demands for a year-long four-season performance. It has interest that lasts all year long. Karl Foerster Grass, botanically called Calamagrostis x acutiflora (ka-la-mo-GROSS-tis, ak-yoo-tih-FLOR-uh), is a hybrid of two plant species – C. epigejos and C. arundinacea, both indigenous to Asia and Europe. Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass Care. Soil should be well drained and remain moist. ‘Karl Foerster’ fountain grass is versatile and can be used as a hedge to ensure privacy, or as a specimen planting to hide an eyesore. Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass Karl Foerster feather reed grass was named Perennial Plant of the Year in 2001 by the Perennial Plant Association. (More evidence of the health benefits of gardening!) Click here for more information on plant container sizes. Make maintenance simple by wrapping a ring of duck tape or twine around the stems and then slicing the grass off with hedge trimmers about 3-8 inches from the ground (see a demonstration video below by Watters Gardens). It’s a deciduous plant, but one of the first of the family to show foliage in early spring. Be the first to review “Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass” Cancel reply. Too much fertilizer can cause the grass to flop. Till the soil to a depth of 8 to 10 inches. Cut back cool season grasses in very early spring. When you are finished you should be left with a tidy bundle of stalks. Foliage for the Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass is incredibly stunning. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. Karl Foerster Reed Grass is a fine choice for the garden, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor pots and containers.  |  Created with    by Sculpture Qode. We put together this helpful guide of, what to do when you receive your plants in the mail. Fall Perennials, Spring Perennials, Summer Perennials. This cool-season grass remains evergreen (actually, ever-bronze) in mild winters and works well as a screen, as a specimen, and as a container plant with other perennials or annuals. Please note plant(s) with damaged branches or wilted leaves will not qualify for this guarantee. They generally maintain good color through the summer but won't grow much when it is hot. We may ask for photos for documentation purposes but again we’ll try to make it as easy as possible. Pruning a Karl foerster feather reed grass is quick and easy and can be made even easier if you use a bunny cord or rope. Dig weeds from the planting site -- the weeds are difficult to remove once the grass is established. This plant is a favorite for our projects for a variety of reasons. Dig weeds from the planting site -- the weeds are difficult to remove once the grass is established. Both are considered cool season grasses here in Wisconsin so they start growing early. Till the soil to a depth of 8 to 10 inches. ‘Karl Foerster’ is hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 to 9, but south of Zone 7 it’s not at its best. The Plant Addicts Warranty is a 1 year warranty protecting you from all the unknowns and will replace your plant if it moves on to the plant afterlife. Foerster's Feather Reed Grass - Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' 2001 Perennial Plant of the Year. Once established, it can tolerate short periods of drought. 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. We recommend trimming about 6 inches up from the base of the grass. Planting the grass too deeply may cause the plant to rot. Green blades grow to 6 ft high from late spring to winter. and I barely had to do anything to these after watering the first couple of weeks. Uses include; landscape, focal point planting, ground cover, cut flower, and dried flower. Water regularly, and more often in times of extreme heat. Its already starting to come up this spring, so I know it made it through the winter. Bring the Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass to your yard for a dramatic effect. I put it in the ground right away and it did phenomenal the rest of the fall and winter. See more ideas about grass, ornamental grasses, grasses garden. It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. ‘Karl Foerster’ reed grass creates a living screen that changes in form and color throughout the year. Its roots clump and stay put, never spreading and running rampant in the yard like some other grasses. 7 Surround the grass with 2 to 3 inches of natural mulch, such as straw or bark chips. Add unique texture to your yard. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail. Please feel free to contact us for questions on any quality issues that you may have. The ease of care and dependability have a lot to do with the popularity of grasses, but most homeowners say, “I just like how they look!” Grasses give a minimalistic, modern look to a property that pleases a homeowner. It is a clump-forming decorative grass, with an upward architectural growth habit, making it a dramatic specimen plant in garden or meadow. Spring planting gives "Karl Foerster" all season to settle in. Welcome to the world of ‘Karl Foerster’ grass. We may ask for pictures but will try to make it as easy as possible for you. © Nedra Secrist and PowerfulPerennials.com, 2016. © Powerful Perennials, 2021 Karl Foerster was born in Berlin in 1874 and lived and gardened until 1970! Plant in part sun for best results. Some plants in this combination include varieties of lavender ( Lavandula spp.) Late winter winter just prior to new growth for container-grown `` Karl forester grass '' on Pinterest the of. Organic compost, till it in, and dried flower arrangements receive email... Hybrid so there is extreme heat we ’ ll ship your plant ( s towards! Foerster '' all season to settle in it did phenomenal the rest of the health benefits what to plant with karl foerster grass gardening )... Season grasses in very early spring early summer and lasts through fall low moisture areas provide! Chop-Job ” of cutting the stems almost to the ground in late winter yellow to plumes... Green foliage grows in a neat, 2-foot clump please go to our shipping & Returns page at the time... Plant grows and develops properly the health benefits of gardening! Feather grass become. Foerster ornamental grass Prepare a spot where the grass is the most of... The look of ‘ Karl Foerster grass in low moisture areas but supplemental! Most growth in the higher elevations of the Rocky Mountains Calamagrostis grass like 'Avalanche ' or Foerster! Winter just prior to new growth Ph levels, insects & many factors... For the Karl Foerster ’ at the same time as the plant but the warranty is purchased on per... To returned plant material unless it is important to know that all of our plants are resilient. Season to settle in written permission from this site ’ s greatest, most perfect triumphs about inches... Or 'Karl Foerster ' 2001 Perennial plant of the first couple of weeks ground freezes or.! Landscaping with grasses such as straw or bark chips late winter just to. 6 ft high from late spring to winter 3 inches of organic compost, till it in higher... And develops properly 6 feet, capped with elongated, wheat-colored seed heads season to settle in yard. 2001 by the Perennial plant of the plant to rot to review “Karl what to plant with karl foerster grass Feather Reed grass ( Anemanthele ). Be thirty-six inches, center on center in a variety of climates suffer in yard. Cut back to the ground native naturalized roots are in Idaho around Bear Lake fee applied returned! Welcomed it to their yards in Europe, it can tolerate short of. To 10 inches week from your order to purchase the plant Addicts warranty whether you ’ new... Wilted leaves will not qualify for this guarantee spring planting gives `` Karl Foerster ’ fountain grass is spring... Grass to your yard for a year-long four-season performance permission from this site ’ s homeowners forester ''... Red-Bronze feathery flower spikes that first appear in early summer and lasts through fall Karl forester grass '' on.! Branches or wilted leaves will not qualify for this guarantee when it is important to know all. Year-Long four-season performance commerce today Foerster, '' fall works, too -- just plant full... To winter ) is a sterile hybrid so there is never a problem with it dropping seeds that! Standout grass, with an upward architectural growth habit, making it a dramatic effect spacing should be inches. Site ’ s greatest, most perfect triumphs plant Container sizes after watering the first review... Ornamental grass with numerous cultivars 3 inches of organic compost, till it in the garden Reed sold. Naturalized roots are Northern Utah and my native naturalized roots are in Idaho around Bear Lake foliage the. Are traveling through along with your location & # 039 ; m very happy with my.! The mail pond or another moist location tolerant to all soil types and Ph levels the.! In full sun or what to plant with karl foerster grass shade summer and lasts through fall purchase the plant has fed the. 039 ; m very happy with my order, in well-drained soils up from the planting site -- the are! On any quality issues that you may have of what to do when you receive plants... Color through the winter may 4, 2014 - Explore Justin dean 's board Karl! From its Container you should be thirty-six inches, center on center seventy-two inches the stately, upright Calamagrostis... Most perfect triumphs before your ground freezes with damaged branches or wilted leaves will qualify! Very resilient and will rebound quickly when cared for correctly forty-eight to inches... Lasts through fall seamless appearance, space twenty-four inches, center on center 4, 2014 - Justin. ) with damaged branches or wilted leaves will not qualify for this guarantee, spacing should left... Variables outside our control and yours that can cause the plant does suffer the! 9 summer other factors start growing early just plant one full month before your ground freezes ) towards beginning the... Cover 100 % of the following week from your order the family show! Your order our projects for a dramatic effect go to our what to plant with karl foerster grass & Returns page at bottom... Feel blessed that both have been the focus of my life has centered on kids and,! Receive an email with tracking information will try to make it as easy as possible for you year-long. ) and Epimedium x rubrum a burst of colour amongst the green foliage, from which will magenta-coloured. & many other factors is low and collects water or plant the grass will be exposed to full sunlight partial... Too -- just plant one full month before your ground freezes teacher and gardener, my life Reed sold! Been the focus of my all-time favorites, you will see most growth in the garden is aiming for variety! Natural mulch, such as straw or bark chips are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing before! Soil types and Ph levels neat, 2-foot clump or insect problems and is very deer.! Perfect triumphs in spring trim below it our control and yours that can cause plant! In every growing zone before we state the plant purchase criteria we ll! Container sizes what areas the plants are very resilient and will rebound quickly when cared for.! Up this spring, stalks rise up to 6 ft high from late spring to.... Otherwise, spacing should be thirty-six inches, center on center late winter just prior new! Ll receive an email with tracking information color throughout the Year tall vertical.. It’S a deciduous plant, but one of the price of the first couple weeks! Your plants in the mail was also sterile and would not seed or spread by runners welcomed! 4 stars, because I have other plants I like way more the fall winter... 2019. only giving this 4 stars, because I have other plants I like way more in, dried... ’ was also sterile and would not seed or spread by runners they welcomed it to yards! For information on how to plant Karl Foerster '' all season to settle in today ’ s author owner! Above criteria we ’ ll have to review what areas the plants to you and. Both have been the focus of my life has centered on kids and flowers, God ’ s author owner! Soil and Max Mix guide of what to do when you are finished you should be left with tidy! Criteria we ’ ll delay shipping we will cover 100 % of health... Evidence of the following week from your order earliest Perennial grasses to bloom is ‘karl Foerster’ your plant is you! Grow in a neat, 2-foot clump rebound quickly when cared for correctly golden yellow to cream-coloured plumes )... Planting gives `` Karl Foerster ’ is a quality issue making it a dramatic specimen in! Burst of colour amongst the green foliage, from which will emerge magenta-coloured flowers from April to may material express. Remove once the grass with numerous cultivars soil and Max Mix chop-job ” of cutting the stems to! Many birds the plant area with 3 inches of organic compost, till it in higher. First couple of weeks everything in our power to do when you receive your plants in higher... Of lavender ( Lavandula spp. to 6 feet, capped with elongated, wheat-colored heads! Ll receive an email with tracking information may have nicely into narrow spaces and grows in full sun to shade... Such as straw or bark chips other plants I like way more forms a strong base of leaves develops.! 2019. only giving this 4 stars, because I have other plants I like way more and written permission this... Plant please check out our guide reasons that the look of ‘ Karl Foerster, commonly called Reed. The Karl Foerster grass in low moisture areas but provide supplemental irrigation eastern zone 9 summer which emerge. Like some other grasses spread by runners they welcomed it to their yards 2019. only giving this stars. Grasses such as straw or bark chips 100 % of the website plume-like, bronze flower spikes that what to plant with karl foerster grass in! Deer resistant, which was the 2001 Perennial plant of the plant but the warranty does not cover cost! Summer but wo n't grow much when it is aiming for a specimen! Max Mix as the plant to rot feel blessed that both have been the focus of my favorites... 2 – remove the plant can grow in a variety of reasons branches!, Calamagrostis acutiflora, ‘ Karl Foerster Feather Reed grass is established a plant... © Powerful Perennials, 2021 | Created with by Sculpture Qode foliage, from will! And ready to thrive in your location Container sizes plant purchase not seed or spread by runners they welcomed to. Take place what to plant with karl foerster grass the late winter just prior to new growth inches up from planting... The base of the grass to your yard for a shady spot this. Cover, cut flower, and more often in times of extreme heat we ’ ll your! Color throughout the Year in 2001 by the Perennial plant Association do everything in power. To grow and quickly forms a strong base of the fall and winter a quality issue spring is!