Description
Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’ is a striking, upright ornamental grass valued for its architectural form, year-round interest, and low-maintenance nature. This cool-season, clump-forming hybrid grass is known for its narrow, vertical growth habit, reaching a mature height of around 120–180 cm. It adds structure and movement to gardens without spreading invasively, making it ideal for modern, naturalistic, or formal landscapes.
In spring, Karl Foerster produces lush green foliage followed by tall, feathery flower spikes that emerge in early summer. These plumes start out a soft pinkish-purple and mature to a golden wheat colour, standing tall through autumn and often persisting into winter. The upright form remains tidy and vertical even in wind or rain, making it a reliable visual anchor in garden designs.
It thrives in full sun and prefers moist, well-drained soils, although it is adaptable to a variety of conditions, including occasional drought once established. Though not indigenous to South Africa, it performs well in similar temperate climates.
Easy to care for, it requires only a once-yearly cutback in late winter. Calamagrostis ‘Karl Foerster’ is perfect for mass plantings, borders, screening, or as a striking vertical accent in mixed beds.
