Physical Description
Botanical Name:
Calamagrostis
Foliage: Long,
thin, green blade-like leaves
Flower: Feathery
white blooms with a hint of purple, fade to yellow and buff during Fall months.
Sun: Full sun
to partial shade
Water: Medium
to wet soils
Size: 3’-5’ h,
1.5’-2.5’ w
Zone: 4-9
General Information
This fast growing ornamental grass has a narrow,
upright form with a clumping habit. Little maintenance is required once
established. Additionally, foliage and blooms maintain good fall color and
interest, primarily in temperate climates as it tends to act like an evergreen.
Blooms last a significant amount of time and maintain an upright position
throughout the fall and winter months.
History | Symbolism
Calamagrostis acutilifora ‘Karl Foerster’ is a
hybrid of C. epigejos and C. arundinacea, native to Europe and
Asia. It was brought to the U.S. from Denmark in 1964 and has been found
throughout American gardens without becoming an invasive species. The species
itself was documented by German nurseryman Karl Foerster, who wrote articles
and lectures about plant identification, as well as owned and managed a 5000
square meter garden and nursery in Potsdam, Germany. Foerster’s nursery was
controversial during the Nazi era, due to his decision to employee Jewish
friends while resisting the Nazi insistence to propagate and sell pure, native
German plant species. Karl Foerster also had a significant impact on show
gardens and demonstration gardens throughout Germany.
Care | Propagation | Pests
Plant grasses in early to late spring
for quick and healthy root establishment. Any dividing of a specimen should
occur in early fall. Cut stems back to about 6” in height during late winter or
early spring to encourage blooming during growing season.
This particular grass tolerates erosion,
wetness, and heavier clay soils, making it a suitable specimen for ponds and
stream banks. Unlike most ornamental grasses, ‘Karl Foerster’ does not self-seed due to sterility. Additionally,
it has no known serious insect or disease problems, and is deer resistant.
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