Professional Growing Information 
I'm truly impressed; and that says a lot! I just received my 1 quart pot with Karl Foerster grass in it. I was notified by e-mail that it would be delivered some time today, and was on the look out for it (because it's in the mid 80s right now). It's lush, was not completely dry when received and came very quickly from when I ordered it. I am not used to that with other plan companies. So, while this review is supposed to be about the grass itself (which I already have one of several years and love) - and I'm reporting that the condition upon arrival was excellent - I'm also thrilled by the service I received on just this first order. If you guys do this with all of your plants, I'm ALL IN!!! Thank you!
Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass Calamagrostis acutiflora
Exposure
- Part Sun to Sun
Flower Season
- Spring
- Summer
Mature Size
Height: 4' - 6'
Spread: 2' - 3'
Height: 1.2m - 1.8m
Spread: 61cm - 91cm
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Details
48 - 72 Inches24 - 36 Inches24 - 36 Inches1.2m - 1.8m61cm - 91cm61cm - 91cmFeatures
Dramatic red-bronze flower spikes early to midsummer; will beautify your garden year after year
Award WinnerHeat TolerantDeadheading Not NecessaryAttracts:BirdsGrass:GrassCharacteristics
Plant Type:PerennialHeight Category:TallGarden Height:48 - 72 Inches 1.2m - 1.8mSpacing:24 - 36 Inches 61cm - 91cmSpread:24 - 36 Inches 61cm - 91cmFlower Colors:GreenFlower Shade:GreenFoliage Colors:YellowFoliage Shade:YellowHabit:UprightContainer Role:ThrillerPlant Needs
Light Requirement:Part Sun to SunThe optimum amount of sun or shade each plant needs to thrive: Full Sun (6+ hours), Part Sun (4-6 hours), Full Shade (up to 4 hours).
Maintenance Category:EasyBloom Time:Early SummerBloom Time:Mid SummerBloom Time:Early WinterBloom Time:Late SummerBloom Time:Mid WinterBloom Time:Early FallBloom Time:Late WinterBloom Time:Mid FallBloom Time:Late FallBloom Time:Late SpringHardiness Zones:5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11bWater Category:AverageUses:Cut FlowerUses:Dried FlowerUses:GrassUses:LandscapeUses Notes:Great for landscapes and as a specimen plant
Maintenance Notes:Check out our Guide to Ornamental Grasses Care to learn all about planting, cutting and dividing.
Karl Foerster is cool-season grass. 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. They generally maintain good color through the summer but won't grow much when it is hot.
Cut back cool season grasses in very early spring.Cool season grasses tend to look good even as the weather cools. Leave their foliage in place until spring and then as soon as the snow is gone cut them back. Leave about 1/3 of the plant in place. Trimming cool season grasses too harshly can irreparably harm the plant.
Divide cool season grasses in spring or early fall. Cool season grasses are actively growing in spring and fall. These grasses can be transplanted at either time of the year but early spring is probably the best time to divide. If you do divide them in the fall, be careful that the freeze/thaw cycles of winter don't heave the plants out of the ground, this happened to a couple of my coral bells last winter.
Cut clumps of grass to the ground in late winter before new shoots appear.
2001 Perennial Plant of the Year
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12 Reviews
57443211Browse reviews from people who have grown this plant.-
Lisa Myshock, Michigan, United States, 4 years ago
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This plant just grows. I would actually say it's Hardy to zone 3 because it grows very well in Alberta's harsh, dry climate. It survives the -30°C to -40°C winters no problem and seems to tolerate wet soil, dry soil and everything in between. Just plant it and water it when you water your lawn and it will be fine.
AvgJoe, Alberta, Canada, 4 years ago -
Grows well in Alberta. However, last year had mice and am wondering if this grass is a food source for them. Planted in a rockery to add height
S R, Canada, 8 years ago -
I highly recommend this plant to anyone who likes ornamental grasses. Very easy to care for. No special care. Grows fast. My greyhounds sure loved eating the green grass it begins with, so we had to move it out of backyard as vet said it could give blockage and harm these dogs. It does get large, so do not plant too close to each other and perhaps in background of colorful plants or flowers.
Miss Roselady, Idaho, United States, 11 years ago -
Hardy and easy going. In a full sun location that can dry out quickly and it performs well.
Sandra, Ontario, Canada, 13 years ago -
Does very well in Chicago
Russell Studebaker, Illinois, United States, 13 years ago -
beautiful plants
B Kolkema, British Columbia, Canada, 13 years ago -
We get western afternoon breezes and this is beautiful to see backlit.
Russell Studebaker, Oregon, United States, 13 years ago -
Russell Studebaker, Indiana, United States, 13 years ago
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I grow Karl Foerster in zone 4a where it has over-wintered for 4 years
Susan, Wisconsin, United States, 13 years ago
4 Awards
Award Year Award Plant Trial 2005 Best Grasses at the Zoo Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden 2005 Best Grasses at the Zoo Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden 2005 Best Grasses at the Zoo Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden 2005 Best Grasses at the Zoo Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden -
