Calamagrostis x acutiflora | Karl Foerster
You see Calamagrostis x acutiflora Karl Foerster in every English garden magazine and we just love it!
Commonly known as feather reed grass it is one of the most popular of the feather reed grasses. It is not overly fussy and seems to do well in our clay soil. It does, however, prefer soils that do not dry out and whilst it is perfect for the garden border, it is also a perfect choice for beside a stream or pond, and we apply a layer of mulch to ensure that moisture is kept in. It is fast-growing.
So many well known international garden designers such as Piet Oudolf and Paul Bangay to name a few describe it as a stand-out plant that makes a huge statement when planted en masse...it is the first to flower and the last to finish.
Karl Foerster is widely used in landscape plantings in both Europe and the USA. This striking plant creates a cloud of hazy mauve plumes on 1.8m tall stems which are produced during early summer and slowly age to a biscuity beige and then to golden tan colour as it autumn moves into winter. As the flower plumes mature they become quite narrow in their shape. Although the foliage clumps are semi- evergreen we actually cut them to the ground in mid winter to tidy them up. The foliage reaches approximately 90cm x 90cm, with the flowers stems standing proud of the clump at around 1.5m.
This attractive green grass will bloom in light shade and actually appreciates some shade particularly if you have a hot summer climate, but the more shade it gets the floppier it may become. The flower plumes that appear in summer have a pinky purple tinge to them on narrow upright stems that stand proud above the foliage. and change to a tan colour giving the autumn garden a very attractive look.
Excellent as a backdrop plant and planted in amongst colourful perennials and other ornamental grasses. Flower plumes look great in a vase!
Cut clumps to the ground in late winter just before you see the new green spring shoots appearing. Can be divided in spring or autumn.
We have some stunning books by Piet Oudolf which you can find here where he showcases the use of grasses and many of our other plants that we grow here.
We have some stunning books by Piet Oudolf which you can find here which showcase his extensive use of this beautiful plant
Height of foliage reaches 70 -80cm x 90cm with flower plumes rising up to 1.5 metres
Perennial | Hardy | Maybe semi evergreen in cooler climates
Pot size: 1 Litre
- Auckland City | $12 minimum
- Middle North Island | $15 minimum
- Rest of North Island | $16 minimum
- South Island | $25 minimum
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