Calamagrostis × acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' is a popular upright ornamental grass known for its strong vertical habit and early blooming feather like plumes that fade from pinkish purple to golden tan. It remains tidy and upright throughout winter offering four season interest in formal and naturalistic designs alike.
Height & Spread: 48 - 60 in x 18 - 24 in
Bloom Time: Early summer to fall
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Moist, well drained soil; tolerates clay, sand, and urban conditions
Watering Needs: Low to moderate; drought tolerant once established
Deer Resistance: Rarely eaten by deer due to coarse texture
Native Status
This is a hybrid between Calamagrostis arundinacea and Calamagrostis epigejos, both native to Eurasia. Widely used in sustainable and urban landscape design.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Birds
- Birds use the plumes for foraging in winter and may nest in dense basal foliage in early spring.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 18 - 24 in apart to maintain upright form and prevent crowding in mixed plantings.
Landscape Placement
- Perfect for mass planting, vertical accents, screening, or along fences and walkways. Combines well with bold perennials and contrasting textures.
Companion Plants
- Perovskia atriplicifolia (Russian Sage) - Offers open silver foliage and blue flowers that sway alongside the upright grass blades.
- Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' - Deep purple spikes enhance the warm plumes and create striking structure in full sun beds.
- Rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldsturm' - Bright golden flowers provide late summer contrast to fading plumes.
- Panicum virgatum 'Shenandoah' - A native grass with red tinted blades that harmonize well with Karl Foerster’s clean vertical lines.
- Allium 'Millenium' - Offers rounded purple flower heads and clump forming foliage that balance grass’s upright growth.