Karl-Foerster-Grass1 - Grasshopper Gardens

Karl-Foerster-Grass2 - Grasshopper Gardens

Close-up of a potted ornamental grass with tall, narrow green leaves growing from a central clump in a black plastic pot, outdoors.

Potted ornamental grass plant with long thin green leaves in a black plastic pot on a concrete surface.

Potted yucca plant with tall, sword-shaped green leaves growing upward from the soil.

Karl Foerster Grass

Upright Garden Structure
Golden Winter Interest
Space-Saving Grass

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#1 Container

$16.00

1 in stock

#2 Container

$20.00

224 in stock

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Starting at $16.00

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Our local delivery area reaches as far north as Schroon Lake, south to Voorheesville, Glenmont, and East Greenbush areas, parts of Fulton and Montgomery counties, much of Washington County, and all areas in between. If you have questions on local delivery, give us a call at

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Karl Foerster Grass

Sunlight
Can grow in a range from full sun to partial shade. They need at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight per day.
Watering
Regular watering schedule for the first six months. Once established, rainwater should be sufficient.
Fertilizing
Should not need any extra fertilizer unless your entire lawn and garden have problems and needs regular fertilizing.

Karl Foerster Grass

Karl Foerster Grass is a classic upright ornamental grass with narrow green blades, feathery summer plumes, and long-lasting golden seed heads. Its strong vertical form, tidy clumping habit, and multi-season texture make it ideal for sunny borders, narrow spaces, mass plantings, and modern landscape designs.

Why choose Karl Foerster Grass?

Choose Karl Foerster Grass for its architectural shape, reliable performance, and graceful movement in the garden. This award-winning feather reed grass forms a narrow, upright clump that fits beautifully where broader grasses may take too much room. Early summer plumes rise above the foliage, then age to warm tan-gold for fall and winter interest. Its refined habit works well as a specimen, repeated accent, soft screen, or vertical companion to perennials, shrubs, and flowering borders.

Key Characteristics

Botanical Name: Calamagrostis × acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’
Common Name: Karl Foerster Grass
Plant Type: Perennial ornamental grass
Growth Habit: Upright, clumping, cool-season grass

Karl Foerster Grass Additional Information

Karl Foerster Grass produces narrow, bright green foliage in a tidy vertical clump, with flower stems that rise above the leaves in early to midsummer. The plumes often emerge with soft pinkish-purple tones before maturing to bronze, tan, and wheat-gold. These upright seed heads hold their shape well, adding fall and winter structure when many perennials have faded.

This deciduous ornamental grass is valued for its slim footprint and dependable form, making it useful along walkways, in foundation beds, near water features, in mixed borders, or planted in rhythmic groups for a formal or naturalistic effect. It does not typically produce viable seed, so it stays well behaved in designed landscapes. Cut back old growth in late winter or early spring before fresh new blades appear, taking care not to damage the emerging crown.

Planting & Care

1. Planting: Plant Karl Foerster Grass in full sun to light shade with well-drained soil. Set the crown level with the surrounding soil, backfill firmly, and water thoroughly to settle the roots.

2. Watering: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. Once established, provide supplemental water during extended dry periods, especially in exposed sites or lighter soils.

3. Pruning: Leave the golden stems standing through winter for texture and movement, then cut back in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.

4. Spacing: Space plants about 18 to 24 inches apart for a strong vertical rhythm, or slightly wider when using individual clumps as accents in mixed beds.

Related Resources

FAQs

How tall does Karl Foerster Grass get?
Karl Foerster Grass typically reaches about 3 to 5 feet tall when in bloom, with a narrow clump that is usually around 1 to 2 feet wide.
Does Karl Foerster Grass need full sun?
Full sun encourages the strongest upright habit and best flowering. It can tolerate light shade, but too much shade may reduce flowering and cause looser growth.
When does Karl Foerster Grass bloom?
Karl Foerster Grass usually blooms in early to midsummer. Its feathery plumes mature into upright golden-tan seed heads that remain attractive into fall and winter.
Is Karl Foerster Grass evergreen?
No. Karl Foerster Grass is deciduous. The dried stems can stay ornamental through winter, then should be cut back before new spring growth emerges.

Shipping Details

Estimated Shipping Time: Most orders ship immediately. As noted on the website, some items are seasonal, and may only ship in spring or fall. Once your order is shipped, you’ll receive an email with a tracking number.

Amount of Order	Shipping Charge
Local Delivery	FREE SHIPPING
Non-Local Delivery	Varies based on UPS shipping

Full Sun
Plant Spacing
Lush Foliage

Mature Height	Large: Up to 6 ft
Mature Spread	0-5 ft
Growth Rate	Fast, Moderate
Botanical Name	Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster'
Bloom Time	Late Spring, Early Spring
Deer Resistant	Usually
Family	Poaceae
Flower Color	Pink, White
Hardiness Zones	5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Light Needs	Full Sun
Maintenance	Low
Size	#1 Container, #2 Container

Map of the United States with most states shaded green and boundary lines visible.

Growing Zones 4-9 Outdoors

(Hardy down to -30)

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