Calamagrostis X A. Karl Foerster (Feather Reed Grass) Gallon Pot
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- Availability: In-Stock
- BLOOM TIME: June through frost, leave spikes up for winter interest, cut back in spring
- MATURE SIZE: 60" X 30"
- USDA HARDINESS: Zone 4
- GROWS BEST IN: Sun or Shade-one of the few big grasses that will tolerate shade!
- USE FOR: Back of border accent. Year-around interest
YOU MAY PRE-ORDER NOW TO RESERVE PLANTS FOR SPRING 2010 SHIPPING!
Erect green foliage with 4-5' wheat-colored spires in early summer. CULTURAL NOTES: One of our favorite ornamental grasses since it blooms in early summer, months ahead of the other large grasses. If you only use one ornamental grass, make this the one! Cut back in spring. NOMENCLATURE NOTES: 'Calamagrostis' (Reed grass) 'acutiflora' (sharply-pointed flowers) Shipped in 1 gallon nursery trade pot.
The Perennial Plant Association awarded the title of Perennial Plant of the Year 2001 to Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' (Feather reed grass). The botanical name is from the Greek kalamos, a reed, and agrostis, a grass. This highly acclaimed grass cultivar is one of the most versatile, attractive, and low maintenance ornamental grasses. The deep green, shiny foliage of this cool season grass appears in early spring and lasts until early winter. Loose, feathery flower inflorescences appear in June and are initially light pink in color. As the seed heads mature, they become very narrow with a golden tan color that lasts through the fall season. The growth habit is vertical with a tuft of foliage 2-3 feet tall and flower stems to 5 feet in height. The narrow, tight habit of this cultivar creates an 18-inch wide clump. In mild winters the foliage rosettes remain evergreen or may show some growth.
History
Calamagrostis xacutiflora 'Karl Foerster' is reported to be a natural hybrid of Calamagrostis epigejos and Calamagrostis arundinacea. It was introduced to the nursery trade and general public in 1950 by Karl Foerster in his book Einzag der Graeser and Fame die Gaerten (The Use of Grasses and Ferns in the Garden), under the name of Calamagrostis epigejos 'Hortorum'. According to Mr. Foerster, the source for the plant was the Hamburg Botanical Garden. The Foerster Nursery also listed this grass in their 1939 catalog but as an annual, not a perennial, grass. It was imported into the United States from Denmark in 1964. Since that time, this highly acclaimed ornamental grass has been distributed and has grown well in hardiness zones from 4 to 9.
Propagation
This excellent member of the Poaceae family is propagated by division. This simple propagation method may be done in the fall or spring. If propagated in the greenhouse in liner flats a small division should be used. For outdoor production, a division of 5-7 viable eyes should be used. For landscape plantings large clump division may be done in the fall with a good show of flowers the following spring. Smaller clumps will require a second growing season to fully develop a mature flowering effect.
Cultivation Calamagrostis xacutlflora 'Karl Foerster' is a long-blooming, low maintenance, long-lived perennial grass for full sun to partial shade. This grass grows best in well-drained fertile soils with sufficient moisture, but will tolerate heavier clay soils and drier sites. Fertilizer may be required to produce maximum height. Low fertility will result in shorter plants. It is usually free of serious disease or insect problems although a foliar rust disease can occur in wet summers in situations with poor air circulation. Little maintenance is required except to cut back the stems to about 6 inches in late winter or early spring. In areas with mild winters the foliage may remain evergreen. This ornamental grass is a cool-season grass, which allows planting or transplanting in spring or fall. Sterility eliminates any chance of this cultivar becoming an invasive plant or createing unwanted seedlings in the garden.
Landscape Uses
Calamagrostis xacutlflora 'Karl Foerster' is called the "metamorphic grass." Others describe it as the "perpetual motion grass." The slightest breeze sets this grass in motion. The graceful movement is a highlight for any landscape. It is excellent as a specimen plant or providing a vertical accent in the landscape. Some designers use it for creating a fast developing screen. Others find that this feather reed grass is useful in patio pot containers and will survive most winters without winter protection. Floral designers appreciate this cultivar for its use in fresh or dried arrangements. Stems cut before the flowers mature will last for months in an arrangement while maintaining the golden tan color. In heavy rain or wind the stems will dip and droop in all directions but return to vertical as soon as the storm passes. A combination of Karl Foerster feather reed grass with various other perennials makes a dramatic effect in the landscape. Consider combinations with late summer and fall-blooming perennials blooming perennials such as Coreopsis, Echinacea, Liatris, and Rudbeckia It is understandable why Calamagrostis xacutlflora 'Karl Foerster' is one of the best-selling ornamental grasses year after year.
FOR YOUR SECURITY WE NEVER SEE OR STORE YOUR CREDIT CARD INFORMATION. YOUR CARD WILL BE CHARGED AUTOMATICALLY WHEN YOU PLACE YOUR ORDER.
View our current shipping information, shipping rates and other frequently asked questions. Don't want to order online? Use our printable Mail Order Form! Return to Stargazer Perennials Home Page or browse all of our plants and products at Stargazer Perennials Categories Page.
Erect green foliage with 4-5' wheat-colored spires in early summer. CULTURAL NOTES: One of our favorite ornamental grasses since it blooms in early summer, months ahead of the other large grasses. If you only use one ornamental grass, make this the one! Cut back in spring. NOMENCLATURE NOTES: 'Calamagrostis' (Reed grass) 'acutiflora' (sharply-pointed flowers) Shipped in 1 gallon nursery trade pot.
The Perennial Plant Association awarded the title of Perennial Plant of the Year 2001 to Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' (Feather reed grass). The botanical name is from the Greek kalamos, a reed, and agrostis, a grass. This highly acclaimed grass cultivar is one of the most versatile, attractive, and low maintenance ornamental grasses. The deep green, shiny foliage of this cool season grass appears in early spring and lasts until early winter. Loose, feathery flower inflorescences appear in June and are initially light pink in color. As the seed heads mature, they become very narrow with a golden tan color that lasts through the fall season. The growth habit is vertical with a tuft of foliage 2-3 feet tall and flower stems to 5 feet in height. The narrow, tight habit of this cultivar creates an 18-inch wide clump. In mild winters the foliage rosettes remain evergreen or may show some growth.
History
Calamagrostis xacutiflora 'Karl Foerster' is reported to be a natural hybrid of Calamagrostis epigejos and Calamagrostis arundinacea. It was introduced to the nursery trade and general public in 1950 by Karl Foerster in his book Einzag der Graeser and Fame die Gaerten (The Use of Grasses and Ferns in the Garden), under the name of Calamagrostis epigejos 'Hortorum'. According to Mr. Foerster, the source for the plant was the Hamburg Botanical Garden. The Foerster Nursery also listed this grass in their 1939 catalog but as an annual, not a perennial, grass. It was imported into the United States from Denmark in 1964. Since that time, this highly acclaimed ornamental grass has been distributed and has grown well in hardiness zones from 4 to 9.
Propagation
This excellent member of the Poaceae family is propagated by division. This simple propagation method may be done in the fall or spring. If propagated in the greenhouse in liner flats a small division should be used. For outdoor production, a division of 5-7 viable eyes should be used. For landscape plantings large clump division may be done in the fall with a good show of flowers the following spring. Smaller clumps will require a second growing season to fully develop a mature flowering effect.
Cultivation Calamagrostis xacutlflora 'Karl Foerster' is a long-blooming, low maintenance, long-lived perennial grass for full sun to partial shade. This grass grows best in well-drained fertile soils with sufficient moisture, but will tolerate heavier clay soils and drier sites. Fertilizer may be required to produce maximum height. Low fertility will result in shorter plants. It is usually free of serious disease or insect problems although a foliar rust disease can occur in wet summers in situations with poor air circulation. Little maintenance is required except to cut back the stems to about 6 inches in late winter or early spring. In areas with mild winters the foliage may remain evergreen. This ornamental grass is a cool-season grass, which allows planting or transplanting in spring or fall. Sterility eliminates any chance of this cultivar becoming an invasive plant or createing unwanted seedlings in the garden.
Landscape Uses
Calamagrostis xacutlflora 'Karl Foerster' is called the "metamorphic grass." Others describe it as the "perpetual motion grass." The slightest breeze sets this grass in motion. The graceful movement is a highlight for any landscape. It is excellent as a specimen plant or providing a vertical accent in the landscape. Some designers use it for creating a fast developing screen. Others find that this feather reed grass is useful in patio pot containers and will survive most winters without winter protection. Floral designers appreciate this cultivar for its use in fresh or dried arrangements. Stems cut before the flowers mature will last for months in an arrangement while maintaining the golden tan color. In heavy rain or wind the stems will dip and droop in all directions but return to vertical as soon as the storm passes. A combination of Karl Foerster feather reed grass with various other perennials makes a dramatic effect in the landscape. Consider combinations with late summer and fall-blooming perennials blooming perennials such as Coreopsis, Echinacea, Liatris, and Rudbeckia It is understandable why Calamagrostis xacutlflora 'Karl Foerster' is one of the best-selling ornamental grasses year after year.
FOR YOUR SECURITY WE NEVER SEE OR STORE YOUR CREDIT CARD INFORMATION. YOUR CARD WILL BE CHARGED AUTOMATICALLY WHEN YOU PLACE YOUR ORDER.
View our current shipping information, shipping rates and other frequently asked questions. Don't want to order online? Use our printable Mail Order Form! Return to Stargazer Perennials Home Page or browse all of our plants and products at Stargazer Perennials Categories Page.
