Overview
Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' is a tufted grass like in the genus Calamagrostis, part of the Poaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 1-1.5 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. It is low maintenance. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, coastal, cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants, low maintenance and flower borders and beds.
About
Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' is a deciduous, tufted grass-like cultivar of the genus Calamagrostis, commonly known as feather reed grass. It grows to a height of 1 to 1.5 metres with a spread of 0.5 to 1 metre, reaching full height within 2 to 5 years. This hardy grass thrives in full sun or partial shade and adapts well to a variety of soil types and pH levels, preferring moist but well-drained conditions. Suitable for various garden settings, it is low maintenance and offers summer interest.
About the genus
Calamagrostis is a genus of flowering plants in the grass family Poaceae, with about 260 species that occur mainly in temperate regions of the globe. Towards equatorial latitudes, species of Calamagrostis generally occur at higher elevations. These tufted perennials usually have hairless narrow leaves.
Wikipedia contributors, "Calamagrostis", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Calamagrostis
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Calamagrostis
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Grass Like
- Habit
- Tufted
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1-1.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Low Maintenance, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster'
- Cultivation
- Prefers full sun to partial shade; adaptable to various soil types; benefits from regular watering during dry periods; mulch in winter to protect roots.
- Pruning
- Cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Propagation
- Seed sown in pots in a cold frame in spring, Division in spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster'?
Prefers full sun to partial shade; adaptable to various soil types; benefits from regular watering during dry periods; mulch in winter to protect roots.
Where is the best place to plant Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster'?
Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' need?
Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
How do I prune Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster'?
Cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
How big does Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' grow?
Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' reaches a height of 1-1.5 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' hardy in the UK?
Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster'?
Seed sown in pots in a cold frame in spring, Division in spring.
More in the Calamagrostis genus
Browse all Calamagrostis →Last updated