Calamagrostis, Feather Reed Grass 'Karl Foerster'

I planted a dozen or so 1 gallon Karl Foersters this past spring as a temporary screen behind a permanent screen of loosely arranged wax ...Read Moremyrtles as they established themselves. The KFs immediately sent up bloom stalks to 6' tall (perfectly fulfilling their purpose) and had a beautiful changing display throughout the spring and summer. Some have stayed relatively compact. Others, the ones planted within the reaches of my drip system have doubled, maybe tripled in circumference. They are starting to encroach on the wax myrtles, which also thrived this summer, and now (October) I will be relocating them to a new permanent location where they will again serve as a beautiful screen. I expect them, even with transplanting, to be even more satisfying next year.

I grow this beautiful grass in my mixed beds with shrubs and perennials Manitoba Zone 3a. As my neighbor in Saskatchewan says, it is the ...Read Moreperfect landscaping plant even in our areas. it has a height of 5-6 feet with seed; stays in a clump, not invasive. Vertical shape fitting in perfect in a mixed bed.

Needs to be in a moist yet well- drained area; fertilize well in early spring, it grows quickly. Its height and movement looks great through the snow. Now I'm also trying 'Overdam'.

Because this ornamental grass grows narrow & upright, it softens (without completely concealing) the harsh lines of utility boxes that st...Read Moreick out like a sore thumb in your yard. Great for other low growing eyesores you wish to camouflage. I've seen it growing in my downtown area in very narrow spots around concrete as a hedge plant - so it takes heat & humidity very well. Gorgeous in groupings in a perennial garden. Pairs well with Sedum Autumn Joy and Perovskia.

I inherited four mature clumps of Karl Foerster when I moved into my house. They are outstanding accent plants that look great from mid-s...Read Moreummer until spring when I cut them back. They're valuable in the winter landscape, especially in a cold northern climate with many months of snow.

Its height provides structure and architecture. The sight of the grass swaying in the breeze adds movement to the landscape. The seed heads are tall and wheat-like, changing from a pinkish colour to a vibrant gold in the fall. Paired with perennials like purple coneflower, sea holly or globe thistle, they make a striking combination. The colour is retained through the winter and makes them a standout in the relatively colourless winter months. In the spring, I cut down the grass to about six inches tall. I save most of it to use in container for the next winter.

The one downside is that because of their height, they can get flattened by a heavy snowfall. Rain can flatten them a litte bit, but mine always bounce back up after drying out. Mine benefit from growing against a fence, which provides some protection.

I have two groups of three of these. They are about five years old and get bigger every year. I'm neutral to negative on them because t...Read Morehey do not stand up to any rain or wind. Once flattened by a single downpour or gust, they never recover. I have to cut them down because they are a flattened mess. I tried using peony hoops when they emerged this spring, but they are just too big and heavy. And sometimes the centers rot, making them grow in donut shapes.

Looks good in all seasons. Adds vertical interest. Love to watch/hear the seed spike sway in the breeze. For a grass it tends to stay ...Read Morein its clump rather than spreading all over like some of them do.

This ornamental grass is great. I have 2 of these and they grow like there is no tomorrow. They even take transplanting well. I didn't...Read More know if you were supposed to cut the old reeds off or not so this spring I cut them back. Hopefully they will get new reeds on them this year. The reeds are beautiful and very showy. I love to hear the reeds moving on breezy summer days.

This grass is indestructible and will grow anywhere you plant it. It handles all soil types and the bitter winter winds on my property d...Read Moreon't faze it.

May 2015: still going strong. Planted at the end of my driveway in a western aspect. Gets blasted in the summer heat from the asphalt, takes the drying winter winds well.

I have it along a chainlink fence to hide the fence; it is the perfect height to provide a bit of privacy, but still be able to visit. I...Read More have it in a fair amount of shade under a maple tree, so it doesn't get as tall. My information says it is hardy in zones 4-9. Blooms June-July in my garden.

This is a nice looking grass that stays in place and tolerates a wide variety of conditions.

This upright, arching grass grows 2 to 3 feet round with showy flower spikes rising 3 feet above the foliage. Green with red bronze tone...Read Mores turn golden in the fall. Good in meadows and open woodlands - it likes a rich moist sunny location and can tolerate heavy soil and heat with water. Good vertical accent plant.

I am adding another positive for this great grass. It is beautiful, tough, early to start each spring and beautiful all winter long unti...Read Morel haircut time. I have two beautiful clumps near my pond which is above ground 18 inches for me to sit on to play with the fish and keep my water lilies looking nice. The grasses make it look natural without hiding the pond.

I put this and the "overdam" variety in places all over. It stands by itself well as well as accents other beds. Use it to hide an ugly A/C or give a blank wall or fence some class.

This ornamental grass provides much-needed winter interest in my Wisconsin (U.S.) location. Its vertical growth habit provides an intere...Read Moresting backdrop for other plantings while doubling as a living wind barrier when planted in groupings. I am particularly delighted to see the number of stages the seed heads go through. Airy and open with a pink cast to golden and vertical. This has been an excellant performer for me in Green Bay, Wisconsin.