Product Description
Calamagrostis acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' (25) Bare Root Plants
Common Name: Feather Reed Grass, Ornamental Grass
This is a cool season, clumping grass with a compact, erect growth habit. It is especially prized in the north where the magnificent, wheat-like seed heads appear in late spring and last all season long.
'Karl Foerster' provides a great backdrop for lower growing, flowering perennials throughout the year. It is also useful for screening purposes and will not reseed. A good choice for heavy clay soils.
C. 'Karl Foerster' prefers sunny, dry conditions. It can be grown in nearly any soil, including heavy clay. Be sure to provide plenty of moisture in extremely hot weather. Cut back to 6 in. in spring before new growth begins. Propagate by division in either spring or fall.
Perennial Plant Association Plant of the Year -- 2001
Missouri Botanical Garden Emeritus Plants of Merit
Height: 5.0 Feet
Spread: 2.0 Feet
Hardiness Zones: 4,5,6,7,8
Flower Color: Tan shades
Foliage Color: Green shades
Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun)
Low to Average Water Needs
Fertile Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Late Spring
Deer Resistant
Seasonal Interest: Dried Seed Heads, Fall Color
Growth Rate: Medium
Border Plant, Cut Flower, Cut Foliage, Dried Flower, Drought Tolerant, Easy To Grow, Mass Planting, Salt Tolerant
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
