The resurgence of grasses in contemporary planting schemes has certainly pulled my focus towards grasses in planting design.

This particular grass, also know as a feather reed grass due to its elongated seed heads is equally beautiful inter-planted with a flower border or as feature planting en masse. It is a grass with flat, arching leaves, and bronze panicles (meaning: much branched) that fade to pale-brown during the winter months. Lyrical and gorgeous when back lit by low winter sun on a blue sky day.

 

About the plant

Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’ (Feather reed grass ‘Karl Foerster’) will reach a height of 1.5m and a spread of 1m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
City, Cottage/Informal, Beds and borders, Low Maintenance, Architectural, Prairie planting, Foliage only.
Cultivation
Plant in any well-drained fertile soil.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types).
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained.
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral.
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun.
Aspect
South, East, West.
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered.
UK hardiness
Hardy (H4).