Calamagrostis Karl Foerster

Named for the famous German plant-breeder, Calamagrostis x acutiflora Karl Foerster is beloved of landscapers for its narrow, upright, architectural quality. A medium-sized to tall, clump-forming, deciduous grass, its arching leaves grow up to 90cm long. Pencil-thin flowers to 5’ appear in early summer, accentuating the upright habit. These open purplish-bronze, then close narrowly again, eventually fading to pale brown. Calamagrostis Karl Foerster is a sterile hybrid, so there’s no risk of it seeding about. Cut to the ground in early spring to let new growth come through.

Site: Tolerates exposure
Soil: Any reasonably well drained soil
Position: Full sun or partial shade
Season of Interest: Spring, summer, autumn, winter
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height: 3’3”-5’’ (1-1.5m) Spread: 1’8”-3’3” (50-100cm)