Calamagrostis x 'Karl Foerster'
Common Name(s):
Feather Reed Grass
Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass
Synonym:
Calamagostic arundinacea 'Karl Foerster'
Reed grass
Flower:
Pink
Blooms :
Jul
to:
Aug
Open, feathery, pinkish-white flower heads in loosely branched, upright, panicle up to 12 inches long
Botanical Description
Fragrant?
NO
Family:
Poaceae
Grass
Foliage:
Green
Arching, shiny, simple, lanceolate with entire margins that emerge from the soil usually without a stem
Fall Color?
YES
Showy brown or tan leaves and seed heads
Deciduous
Photo by:
Heading 6
Showy brown or tan leaves and seed heads if not pruned
Oregon Native?
NO
West State Native?
NO
Origins:
Europe, Asia, Africa and Eurasia, China, India. Introduced in 1950, C. x acutiflora is a natural hybrid of C. arundinacea and C. epigejos discovered by Karl Foerster at Hamburg Botanical Gardens in 1930. Seed is sterile
Site Selection
Minimum USDA Hardiness Zone:
4
Water Needs:
L
Sun Needs:
Full Sun
Deer Resistant?
YES
Firewise?
YES
Height:
3 - 6'
Spread:
12-24"
Growth Rate:
Fast
Native Habitat:
This hybrid occurs naturally, but somewhat infrequently, in Europe. Calamagrostis, commonly known as reed grass, is a genus consisting of about 250 species of cool season grasses which are primarily native to moist to wet areas in temperate landscapes
Soil:
Prefers rich, consistently moist soils that do not dry out, heavy clay soils with less moisture; size of plant depends on moisture supply; grows larger with increased moisture levels and in cooler climates.
Care Recommendations
Maintenance Level:
Medium
Fertilizer:
Balanced slow-release fertilizer or a top dressing of compost
Mulch:
2-3" layer of bark or leaf mold
Grows best in full sun, prefers moist well-drained fertile soils
Long Term:
Winter:
Grasses do not need to be cut down before winter. In fact, they are attractive when left standing and the foliage helps to insulate the crown of the plant.
Spring:
Cut back the foliage to about 4-6 inches in the spring before growth resumes. Aggressively remove thatch at base of plant. When foliage is removed, spring growth will begin earlier. old foliage left on the plant can delay the crown's warming and subsequent growth
Summer:
In hotter situations with less than optimum moisture, summer heat may cause feather reed grass to enter summer dormancy.
Fall:
Regular watering and removing dead stems
General Care Comments:
Sterile and will not reseed
Common Problems
Overwatering or underwatering
Diseases:
Host to several rust fungi in the genus Puccinia including P. coronata, Oat Crown Rust, and P. pygmaea
Insects:
Spider mites, scale, mealybugs, aphids
Environmental Problems:
Tolerates pollution
Pests:
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