Calamagrostis ‘Karl Foerster’ (Feather Reed Grass) – 3 Gallon

 
Calamagrostis 'Karl Foerster' (Feather Reed Grass) – 3 Gallon

Description  
Calamagrostis 'Karl Foerster', also known as Feather Reed Grass, is an award-winning, upright ornamental grass prized for its dramatic vertical form and multi-season interest. This cool-season perennial forms neat, narrow clumps of deep green foliage, topped in early summer by tall, feathery flower spikes that emerge green, mature to pinkish-purple, and fade to golden tan for lasting winter appeal. Exceptionally hardy, low-maintenance, and adaptable, 'Karl Foerster' is perfect for borders, mass plantings, screens, or as a striking specimen in modern and cottage gardens. It is deer resistant, drought tolerant once established, and thrives in a wide range of soils and conditions.

Key Features
- **Botanical Name:** Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster'
- **Common Name:** Feather Reed Grass
- **Container Size:** 3 Gallon
- **Mature Size:** 4–6 ft tall, 2–3 ft wide
- **Growth Habit:** Upright, clumping
- **Bloom Color:** Green to pinkish-purple, maturing to golden tan
- **Bloom Time:** Early summer through winter
- **Foliage:** Deep green, turning golden in fall
- **Sunlight:** Full sun to part sun (best color and form in full sun)
- **Soil:** Well-drained; tolerates clay, loam, sand, and wet soils
- **Water Needs:** Average; water regularly during establishment
- **Hardiness Zones:** USDA 4–8 
- **Maintenance:** Very low; cut back to 6" in late winter or early spring before new growth
- **Special Features:** Deer resistant, drought tolerant, tolerant of wet soils, non-invasive, excellent for cut and dried arrangements, 2001 Perennial Plant of the Year

Care Instructions
1. **Planting:** Space 18–24 inches apart. Plant at the same depth as in the container, with the root crown slightly above soil level.
2. **Watering:** Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season. Once established, water when the top inch of soil is dry.
3. **Pruning:** Cut back to 6 inches in late winter or early spring before new shoots appear.
4. **Fertilizing:** Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring if desired.
5. **Mulching:** Add a 2–3 inch layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Landscape Uses
- Borders and beds
- Mass plantings
- Accent or specimen plant
- Screens and privacy plantings
- Containers and patio gardens
- Banks and slopes