Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass

Name: Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass
Brand: Nature Hills Nursery
SKU: 10684
Price: 19.99 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.57 (14 reviews)

Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster'

Narrow Upright Form Adds Vertical Drama Without Spreading or Flopping Over
Thrives in Zones 4-9
Grows 4-5 ft Tall, 2-3 ft Wide
Showy Yellow Blooms From Early Summer to Early Fall
Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Heat Tolerant

$60⁶⁷

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Plant Size

Quart Container #1 Container #2 Container #3 Container

Product variants

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Attracts pollinators, Flowering, Deer-resistant, Fast-growing, Drought resistant, Evergreen, Fragrant
Hardiness Zone	5a to 9b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	4-5 ft
Width	2-3 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Clay
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Compact, Upright
Plant Life Cycle	Perennial
Blooms In	Summer, Fall
Flower Color	Yellow, Purple, Pink, Gold
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Plant Name	Grass
Botanical Name	Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster'
Species	x acutiflora
Cultivar	Karl Foerster
Class	Poales
Does Not Ship To	AK, AZ, CA, HI, ID, MT, NV, OR, PR, UT, WA

Stunning Accent Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass

Bold Handsome Look
Upright Growth Habit
Strikingly Formal Accent Grass
Great Cut Flower
Adaptable & Fast Growing
Cool Season Grass Variety
Drought Tolerant & Deer Resistant
2001 Perennial Plant of the Year

Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster') is one of the world's most popular garden grasses. This handsome grass works hard in your landscape and asks for little in return.

These tall, narrow plants draw the eye as exclamation points. They are ideal for adding vertical definition to your landscape.

In late summer, they'll grow bold, blonde flower spikes. You'll love the gleaming sunlight shining on the developing seed heads. Each one rises above the strongly upright blades that grow straight up from the ground.

Use one Karl Foerster as an accent grass in a prominent place. Or, use multiple plants to create a featured focal point.

Feather Reed Grasses are nicknamed "motion grass" because it sways in the slightest breeze. The heavy fall seed heads of Karl Foerster bend and sway, to and fro in the breeze and whip back and forth in heavier wind. Their kinetic energy brings a dynamic element to your landscape design. Add one to your Garden of the Senses!

Easy to grow, this ornamental grass is known for its rugged yellow plumes and glossy, deep green leaf blades. The overall shape of Karl Foerster is quite formal and very attractive. They'll remain tall and straight even after heavy rains or winds.

As the seed heads mature in fall, they transition from bright yellow to mellow hues of gold and tan. These seed heads also provide a welcome source of food and shelter for local bird populations over the winter, so leave them standing until early spring.

With no serious pest or disease problems, it's easy to see why Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass was named Perennial of the Year in 2001. With its perpetual motion, formal plumes and lively growth habit, Karl Foerster is sure to keep you entertained throughout the seasons.

Add this wonderful ornamental grass to your landscape. You'll be enthralled by its handsome good looks. Order yours today!

How to Use Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass in the Landscape

Because this grass is very controlled and low maintenance, it is quite often used in commercial landscapes where you most often find it planted in mass or in narrow spaces as a fill plant.

Karl Foerster is a great low-maintenance plant. This versatile selection looks great in the garden border, as an effective background for perennial beds, massed together in perfect military precision, or used in a long, natural drift.

Want an easy focal point? Line the perimeter of a geometric planting bed with a low, evergreen Boxwood hedge. Then, fill the center with Karl Foerster planted 2 feet on center. This spectacular nod to ancient garden design feels very fresh and modern.

We recommend using one plant or using lots and lots of them together.

Add dash and flair to an old evergreen tree. Boost the excitement of a sunny bend in your garden path by using a single plant as an accent.

And why not plant that single plant in a large ornamental container? You'll easily elevate the look and inject your personal style through your design choices.

Add another container and flank them on either side of your front door for a very sophisticated look.

Use multiple Karl Foerster plants to reflect the sunlight, catch the breeze and create excitement to highlight changes in elevation or to ease transitions. Use along the path between two destinations.

Create a high-impact look along a walkway with a staggered double row planted in a zig-zag pattern. Yes, you could just use one plant deep, but why not be big? Be bold with this selection!

A wider double hedgerow really creates a statement. Even if you have to shorten up the planting to stay on budget, you'll appreciate how several Karl Foerster plants work together to create excitement.

Add another row or two to create a mass planting to fill a wide, bare spot. Keep the plants spaced two feet apart (measuring from center to center) for best performance. Like a disciplined army, a precise row of Karl Foerster reads like individual soldiers working in an effective team.

Can you imagine the Memorials or special remembrance spaces you could create using this plant? Add a bench and a special weeping flowering tree for a place you'll visit time and time again to pay tribute to your loved ones.

Or, create a natural look by changing the geometric, massed zig-zagged planting design into a long, skinny drift planting design. Simply taper either end down to a single plant. In the middle of your drift planting, create depth by doubling or tripling up the plants. Keep things loose and natural with curving lines in a naturalized drift.

Study the celebrated gardens of Piet Oudouf, a world-famous garden designer who makes Karl Foerster sing in these types of fantastic, long drifts. Use these ideas for your home landscape and enjoy!

The blooms are also popular as cut flowers and really make a great complement to a mixed-cut flower arrangement. Dry the stalks for a long-lasting winter display.

#ProPlantTips for Care

This hardy grass adapts well to a variety of soils and conditions. Unlike many Ornamental Grasses that self-seed, Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass does not produce viable seed, so you don't have to worry about it becoming invasive.

For best results, give these cool-season grasses a spot in full sun or partial shade. In hot, dry climates, the Karl Foerster benefits from a location with morning sun and late shade.

But too much shade can decrease the number of blooms and make the foliage floppy. This grass is a sun-lover.

Karl Foerster likes to be planted in well-drained soil. However, it is adapted to a wide range of soil conditions from somewhat wet to dry.

Once established, this grass is drought tolerant and very popular in low water, water-wise and xeriscape gardens. Include a 3 to 4-inch layer of mulch to keep roots cool and cut down on surface evaporation.

We recommend leaving the foliage and seed heads up all winter. Enjoy the winter interest delivered by this beautiful, award-winning grass. Leave those plumes up all winter long!

When you see the first, bright green blades appear in early spring, choose a nice day for your annual pruning task. Grab gloves and see if you can rope in a friend to help make it fun.

Grab a tarp or a few yard bags and a sharp garden saw. Gather all of last year's growth together and hold it in one hand.

Make long, even strokes with the saw in your other hand to saw through the whole clump right at ground level. Bag or compost the old foliage.

Enjoy the surge of new spring growth. Ornamental grasses are fun to watch all year long, from their lush summer foliage to the high impact of the golden flower stalks and seed heads in autumn. Even the buff, dry old growth sculpts the winter snow and adds interest.

Do a little or do a lot in your yard—but do something! Karl Foerster is a workhorse that performs beautifully in modern, rustic or formal design styles. Lean on this plant, he's up to the task. Order today at NatureHills.com!

Some of the reviews shown are from related products the merchant grouped with this one.

Quick turnaround with quality

Quick turnaround with quality plants!

Karl Foerster is one of those grasses that ships well and gets established quickly, so it's great to hear the plants arrived in good shape. Thanks for the note, Mark. We hope they put on a great show for you this season.

The grasses came packaged beautifully

The grasses came packaged beautifully. They are currently under grow lights awaiting June.

Karl Foerster is worth the wait, and it sounds like you are setting it up for a strong start. Growing it on under lights until the soil warms is a smart move. It will reward you once it goes in the ground and starts reaching for the sky later this season. Thanks for sharing where things stand, Shelley.

Karl FOERSTER gRASS

This grass came as a healthy plant only a month ago so it's really to early to judge the quality. I will supply a review after a year.

Hello Lawrence,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your initial experience with the Karl Foerster grass! We're glad to hear that it arrived healthy and we completely understand that a full evaluation will take some time to see how it thrives over the season. Your approach to waiting a year before giving a final review shows great patience and care—qualities every good gardener needs!

If you ever have questions about optimal planting conditions, watering tips, or seasonal care to help your Karl Foerster thrive, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always happy to provide guidance to support a flourishing garden.

Looking forward to hearing from you after a full season of growth!

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

Karl FOERSTER gRASS

This grass came as a healthy plant only a month ago so it's really to early to judge the quality. I will supply a review after a year.

Dear Larry,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your honest thoughts about your Karl Foerster grass. We truly appreciate your transparency and look forward to hearing about its growth and performance as you continue to nurture it over the coming year. It’s great to know the plant arrived healthy—that’s such an important start!

If you ever have any questions about care, site preparation, or maintenance as your grass establishes, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to provide guidance to help your Karl Foerster flourish.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

Ornamental grass

This is our first year with the grass. We planted it in the fall of 2006 so we are anxiously awaiting to see how it matures! However, we have a question, please. Should we cut it back this Spring? Or, leave it? Please reply. Answer from Nature Hills: Cut it back late winter, early spring, we cut ours back last week and it already has new green shoots growing.

Hello Sheri,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with your Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass! It’s wonderful to hear from someone excited to watch their garden grow and mature over the years.

Regarding your question, trimming back the grass in early spring is indeed the best practice. This helps promote healthy new growth, just as we’ve seen with ours—they respond nicely by sending up bright green shoots soon after cutting. Since you planted yours in fall 2006, cutting it back now will refresh the plant and keep it looking full and vigorous throughout the season.

If you’re interested, you might try leaving the grasses to stand through the winter for some gentle visual interest (and a little squirrel snack!), then cutting them down right at the start of spring. Just use garden shears to trim them to a few inches above the ground. This routine will keep your Feather Reed Reed Grass looking its best year after year.

Please feel free to reach out any time if you have more questions along the way. We’re rooting for your garden to flourish!

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

Pink blooms

Feather reed grass is great. and when the pink blooms come out they are stunning.

Hi Janny,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with the Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass! We’re delighted to hear how stunning those pink blooms are adding beauty to your garden. It’s truly one of those plants that uplifts any outdoor space with its graceful height and charming colors.

If you ever want tips on maintaining ideal soil conditions or spreading that pink blush further in your garden beds, feel free to reach out. Feather Reed Grass thrives best in full sun and well-drained soil, and regular cutting back in late winter encourages robust growth and stunning blooms come spring.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

Pink blooms

Feather reed grass is great. and when the pink blooms come out they are stunning.

Hi Janny,

Thank you so much for sharing your lovely experience with the Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass! We’re delighted to hear that both the graceful foliage and those stunning pink blooms have added such beauty to your garden. It’s one of our favorites for bringing texture and color throughout the seasons.

If you’re looking to keep your feather reed grass thriving, a tip is to cut it back in late winter to promote fresh spring growth, and make sure it gets full sun to partial shade. You might also consider pairing it with flowering perennials to make the feathery plumes really stand out!

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you ever want personalized suggestions or tips for your garden—plant success and joy are what we’re here for!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Tall

Feather Reed grass makes a great property line plant as it provides some privacy most of the year.

Hello Del,

Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on the Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass! We love hearing how it’s working well as a privacy plant—a wonderful choice for its height and texture throughout the year. Its tall, graceful form really does make for a natural and attractive property line barrier.

If you’re ever interested, planting these grasses in groups or pairing them with complementary perennials can help create even richer layers of privacy and garden interest. They thrive in full sun and adapt well in various soils, making them fairly low-maintenance while adding elegant movement with the breeze.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you’d like tips on care or suggestions for other plants to enhance your landscape!

Growing with you,
Nature Hills Nursery – Your Trusted Plant Specialists

Tall

Feather Reed grass makes a great property line plant as it provides some privacy most of the year.

Hello Del,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with the Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass! We're delighted to hear that it’s serving well as a property line plant and providing privacy for much of the year. Its tall, graceful form really does make a lovely natural screen while adding movement and texture to the landscape.

If you’re interested in enhancing the privacy effect even further, planting several clumps spaced a few feet apart can create a dense and attractive barrier. Also, Feather Reed Grass is quite low-maintenance—just a yearly trim back to keep it tidy in late winter or early spring is all it generally takes!

Please feel free to reach out if you’d like tips on complementary plants or ongoing care advice to keep your landscape flourishing.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

Blooms

The Feather Reed grass puts its blooms out earlier than other grasses and to have those pink blooms waving in the wind is a soothing sight. One of my favorite grasses.

Dear Nan,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with the Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass! We’re delighted to hear that those early pink blooms bring a soothing charm to your garden. This grass truly has a graceful presence, and it’s lovely to know it’s become one of your favorites.

If you’re looking to enhance its beauty even further, you might enjoy planting it alongside late-blooming perennials for continuous garden interest, or tuck it near pathways to catch gentle breezes and showcase those iconic waving plumes. Also, this grass is quite low-maintenance but thrives best with plenty of sunlight and occasional pruning after bloom for a tidy look next season.

Thank you again for taking the time to share your appreciation—it means a lot to us!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Blooms

The Feather Reed grass puts its blooms out earlier than other grasses and to have those pink blooms waving in the wind is a soothing sight. One of my favorite grasses.

Dear Nan Y,

Thank you so much for sharing your lovely experience with the Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass! It’s wonderful to hear how its early pink blooms add such a soothing and charming touch to your garden. This grass is truly a standout choice and a favorite among many gardeners for exactly those reasons — its graceful movement in the breeze and vibrant bloom time bring a special joy to any outdoor space.

If you ever look to enhance that peaceful atmosphere further, you might try pairing Karl Foerster with late-blooming perennials or ornamental grasses that contrast with its pink shades. This creates beautiful layers and extended visual interest throughout the seasons.

Thanks again for your thoughtful review. We’re so glad the Feather Reed Grass has earned a special spot in your garden and your heart.

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Ornamental grass

Dear Sheri,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with your Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass! It's wonderful to hear that you've embarked on this planting journey since fall 2006 — what a special wait ahead as it matures and fills your garden with its graceful presence.

Regarding your question about cutting it back this spring, you are on the right track. As you may have read, it’s best to cut back ornamental grasses like Karl Foerster in late winter to early spring before new growth begins. Removing the old dry foliage allows new green shoots to emerge more vigorously, giving the grass a refreshed, healthy look. Since it's already new growth time, you can trim the grass back gently now if you haven’t, or wait until the old stems have fully dried. Just be sure to leave about 4 to 6 inches of stubble above the ground to protect the roots.

To encourage robust growth and limit pest issues, you might also try spring fertilizing with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer and watering during dry spells.

If you'd like, we have detailed care info on our site which offers step-by-step tips for maintaining feather reed grass and similar specimens, so feel free to explore future growth insights!

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

Frequently Asked Questions

How far apart to plant karl foerster grass?

Plant Karl Foerster grass 2-3 feet apart for individual specimens, or 18-24 inches apart for a massed planting. This spacing allows each plant to develop its distinctive upright, formal shape while preventing overcrowding. Space closer for screens, wider for accent use.

How big does karl foerster grass get?

Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass typically reaches 4-5 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide at maturity. This upright ornamental grass maintains its narrow, formal shape throughout the growing season. Plant it where you want strong vertical accent, as it won't spread aggressively like some grasses.

How to describe green grass?

Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass features glossy, deep green leaf blades that grow straight up in a strongly upright habit. The narrow foliage creates a formal, architectural look that remains tall and straight even after heavy rains. Plant as a single accent or group multiple plants for dramatic vertical definition in your landscape.

What USDA hardiness zones is Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass suitable for?

Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass thrives in USDA hardiness zones 4-9. This cool season grass tolerates both cold winters and hot summers across most of the continental United States. Plant it in spring or fall for best establishment.

What are the sunlight requirements for Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass?

Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. This adaptable perennial performs best with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily but tolerates some afternoon shade. Shop at Nature Hills for healthy plants that establish quickly in sunny locations.

How often does Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass need to be watered, and is it drought tolerant?

Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass is drought tolerant once established and requires minimal watering. This hardy cool season grass adapts well to various moisture conditions and asks for little maintenance. Water regularly the first year, then reduce frequency as the deep root system develops.

When should I prune or cut back Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass?

Cut back Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass in early spring before new growth begins. The seed heads provide winter food for birds and add structure to your garden through the cold months. Trim the entire plant down to 4-6 inches above ground level in late February or March.

Is Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass deer resistant?

Yes, Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass is deer resistant. This hardy ornamental grass naturally deters deer browsing, making it an excellent choice for areas where deer pressure is common. Plant it as a stunning vertical accent without worrying about deer damage.

What are the shipping dates and guarantees for Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass?

Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass ships in spring and fall when conditions are optimal for transplanting. This hardy perennial comes with a standard plant guarantee covering establishment in your garden. Check your specific zone's shipping calendar and plant immediately upon arrival for best results.

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
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Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass

Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster'

Stunning Accent Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass

How to Use Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass in the Landscape

#ProPlantTips for Care

Where to Plant

Watering Requirements

Pruning Tips

Fertilizer Needs

Shipping Rates

Frequently Asked Questions

How far apart to plant karl foerster grass?

How big does karl foerster grass get?

How to describe green grass?

What USDA hardiness zones is Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass suitable for?

What are the sunlight requirements for Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass?

How often does Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass need to be watered, and is it drought tolerant?

When should I prune or cut back Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass?

Is Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass deer resistant?

What are the shipping dates and guarantees for Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass?

Choose options

Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass

Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster'

Specifications

Description

Stunning Accent Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass

How to Use Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass in the Landscape

#ProPlantTips for Care

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Watering Requirements

Pruning Tips

Fertilizer Needs

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Find on Page

Frequently Asked Questions

How far apart to plant karl foerster grass?

How big does karl foerster grass get?

How to describe green grass?

What USDA hardiness zones is Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass suitable for?

What are the sunlight requirements for Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass?

How often does Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass need to be watered, and is it drought tolerant?

When should I prune or cut back Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass?

Is Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass deer resistant?

What are the shipping dates and guarantees for Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass?