The Calamagrostis × acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’, also known as feather reed grass, is a highly prized perennial ornamental grass for its upright and architectural habit. Its pinkish-beige feathery flower spikes appear in early summer and turn golden blond at the end of the season, remaining decorative throughout winter.
It forms a dense and well-defined vertical silhouette, ideal for structuring flower beds, contemporary mass plantings, and full-sun arrangements. Highly versatile, this grass tolerates a wide variety of well-drained soils.
Particularly deer-resistant, heat-tolerant, and urban-condition-resistant, it is perfect for low-maintenance Quebec gardens.
Botanical name: Calamagrostis × acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’
Type: Perennial ornamental grass
Flowering: June to July (persistent decorative spikes)
Color: Pinkish-beige turning golden blond
Height: 120 to 150 cm (in bloom)
Width: 60 to 75 cm
Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Watering: Moderate
Soil: Well-drained
Hardiness: Zone 3
Assets: Architectural habit, decorative all winter, deer-resistant
The Calamagrostis ‘Karl Foerster’ is ideal for those seeking a structuring, hardy, and easy-to-maintain grass, perfect for adding height and movement to Quebec gardens.