
A stiff, erect habit is the defining feature of this grass, named after the famous German horticulturist who introduced it to the public in the 1950's.
Plant Calamagrostis × acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' en masse to form a feathery screen, or in small groups to add height and definition to a perennial border. It also looks good planted next to buildings.
This is one of the earliest perennial grasses to get going, with shoots appearing in early spring, followed by flowers that are green first, then fade to buff.
Plant Calamagrostis × acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' en masse to form a feathery screen, or in small groups to add height and definition to a perennial border. It also looks good planted next to buildings.
This is one of the earliest perennial grasses to get going, with shoots appearing in early spring, followed by flowers that are green first, then fade to buff.
How to care for Calamagrostis × acutiflora Karl Foerster:
Calamagrostis × acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' is a hardy, low-maintenance ornamental grass that thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. When planting, work some organic matter, such as well-rotted compost, into the soil to improve drainage and nutrient content.
Space the plants about 60-90cm (2-3ft) apart to allow for their upright growth habit. After planting, water regularly until established. Once settled, this grass is moderately drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering.
In February, cut the stems down to ground level to encourage fresh growth in spring (avoid cutting earlier, as the tall, wheat-coloured stems provide striking visual interest and structural presence in the winter garden). Applying a layer of mulch in spring will help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Space the plants about 60-90cm (2-3ft) apart to allow for their upright growth habit. After planting, water regularly until established. Once settled, this grass is moderately drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering.
In February, cut the stems down to ground level to encourage fresh growth in spring (avoid cutting earlier, as the tall, wheat-coloured stems provide striking visual interest and structural presence in the winter garden). Applying a layer of mulch in spring will help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
1.8m
Eventual spread:
0.6m
Position:
Full sun / light shade
Rate of growth:
Slow growing
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
-
This grass dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
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Goes well with
Verbena bonariensis
purple top
From £2.49
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2 litre pot | £17.99 |
|
3 × 2 litre pots | £44.99 |
|
9cm pot | £7.99 |
|
3 × 9cm pots | £17.99 |
|
6 × 9cm pots | £28.99 |
|
3 × packets (approx 750 seeds) | £6.00 |
|
approx 250 seeds | £2.49 |
|
View details

A stiff, erect habit is the defining feature of this grass, named after the famous German horticulturist who introduced it to the public in the 1950's.
Plant Calamagrostis × acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' en masse to form a feathery screen, or in small groups to add height and definition to a perennial border. It also looks good planted next to buildings.
This is one of the earliest perennial grasses to get going, with shoots appearing in early spring, followed by flowers that are green first, then fade to buff.
Plant Calamagrostis × acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' en masse to form a feathery screen, or in small groups to add height and definition to a perennial border. It also looks good planted next to buildings.
This is one of the earliest perennial grasses to get going, with shoots appearing in early spring, followed by flowers that are green first, then fade to buff.
How to care for Calamagrostis × acutiflora Karl Foerster:
Calamagrostis × acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' is a hardy, low-maintenance ornamental grass that thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. When planting, work some organic matter, such as well-rotted compost, into the soil to improve drainage and nutrient content.
Space the plants about 60-90cm (2-3ft) apart to allow for their upright growth habit. After planting, water regularly until established. Once settled, this grass is moderately drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering.
In February, cut the stems down to ground level to encourage fresh growth in spring (avoid cutting earlier, as the tall, wheat-coloured stems provide striking visual interest and structural presence in the winter garden). Applying a layer of mulch in spring will help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Space the plants about 60-90cm (2-3ft) apart to allow for their upright growth habit. After planting, water regularly until established. Once settled, this grass is moderately drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering.
In February, cut the stems down to ground level to encourage fresh growth in spring (avoid cutting earlier, as the tall, wheat-coloured stems provide striking visual interest and structural presence in the winter garden). Applying a layer of mulch in spring will help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
1.8m
Eventual spread:
0.6m
Position:
Full sun / light shade
Rate of growth:
Slow growing
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
-
This grass dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
Product options
Add to basket
Delivery options (pick your preferred option at checkout)
Goes well with
Verbena bonariensis
purple top
From £2.49
View options
2 litre pot | £17.99 |
|
3 × 2 litre pots | £44.99 |
|
9cm pot | £7.99 |
|
3 × 9cm pots | £17.99 |
|
6 × 9cm pots | £28.99 |
|
3 × packets (approx 750 seeds) | £6.00 |
|
approx 250 seeds | £2.49 |
|
View details