Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster'

As an exclamation point in a border, Feather Reed Grass is one of our favorites because of its upright habit and good manners. Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' forms neat clumps of foliage 18–24" tall. In June, the toasty brown, feathery flower spikes rise to 5' or more. By August they are narrow shafts of a buff color. Despite their delicate and graceful appearance, they hold their shape through the winter.

Calamagrostis is a genus of about 250 perennial Grasses from a variety of habitats in Europe, Asia, and Central and North America that are commonly called Reed Grass. They are primarily cool-season growers that establish their growth early in the spring, bloom in spring or early summer, slow down in hot weather. Plants can be clump-forming or rhizomatous and range from sod-forming turf grasses to statuesque architectural standouts. Tall plumes, that stand above lower basal foliage of cultivated varieties, form seed heads that retain their ornamental value through the winter. They prefer full sun to light-shade and thrive in moist, well-drained soils, though they are adaptable to a variety of soil types. Plant these tall-blooming Grasses as a hedge or screen, as we do in the perennial border surrounded by tall-flowering plants, as a sculptural focal point, or even in a large container. These versatile Grasses add a strong structural element to the landscape and provide year-round interest.

For information on the growing and care of Calamagrostis, click Growing Guide.

We want our customers to receive strong, healthy plants that are ready to thrive in their gardens and homes. Here's what we'd like you to know about our shipping practices.

Delivery Timing

We aim to deliver your plants at as close to the proper time for planting in your area as possible. To do so, we consider the USDA Hardiness Zone to which we're shipping, current and forecasted weather at the destination and along the shipping route, and whether your plants are ready for transplant.

In spring, we ship first to the warmest regions and move north as planting conditions improve. For fall deliveries, we begin with the coolest regions and work south. We frequently adjust shipping schedules when extreme weather could put plants at risk while in transit or soon after arrival.

Because different plants reach readiness at different rates and are weather-sensitive in varying degree, a single order may be delivered via multiple shipments. Plants sold as part of a collection, or that are otherwise meant to arrive together, will be shipped together. Please contact our customer service team with two weeks' advance notice if you anticipate being away at the expected time of delivery. 

Tracking information for each package is delivered via email. 

Plant & Container Sizes

We deliver plants in various sizes and stages of growth, and the product detail pages of our website indicate the form and/or pot size in which the plant will be delivered. Pot sizes range from 1 pint to 1 gallon and larger. Many perennials, roses, shrubs and vines are delivered bareroot - that is, not in a container at all. Bulbs and tubers are generally delivered bareroot and fully dormant. We choose container sizes and delivery methods based on how each plant grows best, how we can minimize transplant shock, and how to minimize unnecessary bulk/weight in shipment. 

Caring for Your Plants Upon Arrival

It is important to acclimate greenhouse-grown plants to life outdoors. All plant shipments include simple instructions for handling your plants upon arrival. Further how-to information, including planting instructions, is available on each plant's product page.

Latin Name Pronunciation:  kal-ah-mah-gros’ tiss

Calamagrostis is a genus of about 250 perennial Grasses from a variety of habitats in Europe, Asia, and Central and North America that are commonly called Reed Grass. Tall plumes that stand above lower basal foliage of cultivated varieties form seed heads that retain their ornamental value through the winter.

Growing Calamagrostis

Plant the crown just at soil level, or slightly above if you will be adding mulch. Spacing is indicated on the back of the plant tag. Best with good air circulation.

Light: Full sun to part shade; plants produce more flowers in sun (with sufficient moisture). Likely to be more lax and less floriferous in shade.

Watering: Medium.

Fertilizer: Not necessary; thrives in soil with high organic content, so occasional compost applications and shredded bark mulch are beneficial.

Soil: Fertile moisture-retentive soil with good organic content; ‘Karl Foerster’ can tolerate clay.

Pests/Diseases: Susceptible to rust diseases in hot humid climates with poor air circulation. As with most Grasses, if voles inhabit your area they can be a problem consuming roots and crowns.

Dividing/Transplanting:  Calamagrostis brachytricha is a warm-season Grass that should be divided or transplanted in spring. ‘Karl Foerster’ and other cool-season growers can be divided or transplanted in either spring or fall.

End-of-Season Care:  Leave standing for winter interest. Cut down to 4-6" in early spring, or if plant looks under the weather. Chopped-up dried foliage makes good mulch.

At White Flower Farm, we stand firmly behind every product we sell and are proud to offer a money-back guarantee on each and every item offered on our website and at our store in Connecticut. Some modest terms and conditions apply, click here for details.

Should you have any questions about how our guarantee applies to a particular product or circumstance, our customer service team will be happy to help – please contact us at (800) 411-6159 or [email protected].