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Calamagrostis × acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' (Feather reed grass)

Calamagrostis × acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' Photo/Illustration: Michelle Gervais

(Based on 2 user reviews)

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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Calamagrostis × acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' kal-ah-mah-GROS-tiss ex ah-kew-tih-FLOOR-ah Common Name: Feather reed grass Synonyms: C. arundinaceae × C. epigejos Genus: Calamagrostis
Gardeners love this plant for its handsome, thin, vertical green foliage from spring through fall and for its wonderful flowers, which start out pink and then change to a fine tawny color with the cool days of autumn. 'Karl Foerster' reaches 6 feet high and 6 feet wide. Use in a border.  
 Noteworthy characteristics: Stiff arching green stems with pink-bronze inflorescences fading to buff, from late summer through winter.
 Care: Grow in full sun or partial shade and moist, humusy soil. Will tolerate poorer soil. Cut back in spring.
 Propagation: Divide in mid-spring.
 Problems: Ergot, powdery mildew, tar spot, smut, and foot rot can occur.
Height 3 ft. to 6 ft.
Spread 1 ft. to 3 ft.
Growth Habit Spreads
Light Full Sun to Part Shade
Moisture Medium Moisture
Maintenance Low
Characteristics Attracts Birds; Showy Flowers; Showy Seed Heads
Bloom Time Summer
Flower Color Brown Flower; Pink Flower
Uses , Beds and Borders, Roadside, Waterside
Style , Meadow Garden, Rock Garden
Seasonal Interest , Winter Interest, Summer Interest, Fall Interest
Type ,Grasses

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