Karl Foerster feather reed grass is a popular ornamental grass known for its attractive vertical form and wispy, feather-like flower plumes. With some basic care, Karl Foerster grass can thrive in many home landscapes. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to successfully grow this grass in your yard.
Selecting the Right Location
When choosing a spot to plant Karl Foerster grass, select a location that receives full sun to part shade. This ornamental grass thrives best with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. The ideal soil type is moist, fertile, and well-draining. Avoid overly wet areas.
Before planting, work some compost or other organic matter into the soil to enrich it. Karl Foerster grass prefers soil with a near-neutral pH between 6.0-7.0. Test your soil and amend it as needed to reach the proper pH range.
Planting Karl Foerster Grass
Karl Foerster feather reed grass is best planted in the spring or fall. Space plants 2-3 feet apart in the ground. Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball. Carefully place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil, firming the ground around the roots. Water thoroughly after planting.
For a thicker, fuller look more quickly, plant in groups of 3-5 Karl Foerster grasses spaced 2 feet apart.
Ongoing Care
- Watering: Water Karl Foerster grass regularly with about 1 inch of water per week. Allow the soil to partially dry between waterings. Avoid overwatering.
- Fertilizing: Feed this ornamental grass once in early spring with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds which can make the foliage floppy.
- Pruning: In early spring, cut back any dead foliage from the previous season to allow new growth to emerge. Remove spent flower plumes as needed for a tidier appearance.
- Division: Every 3-5 years in the spring, divide Karl Foerster grass clumps that have become overcrowded. This will encourage vigor.
- Hardiness: Karl Foerster grass is winter hardy to USDA zones 4-9. In zones 3 and below, it can be grown as an annual or mulched heavily for winter protection.
Common Pests and Diseases
Karl Foerster grass is relatively problem-free, but may occasionally be affected by:
- Mealybugs, aphids, or spider mites
- Leaf spot
- Rust
- Root rot from overwatering
Practice proper care and maintenance to prevent most issues. Treat any infestations promptly by removing affected foliage, hosing off pests, or using organic insecticidal soap as needed.
Uses in the Landscape
- Mass plant for groundcover
- Hedges, screens, or living barriers
- Backdrops for perennial flower beds
- Naturalize in informal, prairie-style gardens
- Vertical accent or specimen plant
- Poolside or pond plantings
- Erosion control on slopes or banks
With its fine texture and vertical structure, Karl Foerster grass pairs nicely with many other garden plants. It blends beautifully with a wide range of perennials and provides excellent contrast next to broad-leaved plants.
Growing Karl Foerster Grass in Containers
Karl Foerster feather reed grass adapts well to container growing. Select a large pot at least 18-24 inches wide. Use a quality potting mix and add organic matter like compost. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. Situate the container in full sun. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. In winter, limit watering and store the container in an unheated garage or shelter if possible.
Common Questions
How big does Karl Foerster grass get?
Karl Foerster grass reaches 4-5 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide at maturity. It has a vertical form and does not spread aggressively.
When does Karl Foerster grass bloom?
In most zones, the wispy, wheat-like plumes emerge in late summer or early fall. The flowers range in color from blonde to cinnamon. Foliage takes on yellow fall tones.
Is Karl Foerster grass deer resistant?
Yes, deer and rabbits typically do not feed on Karl Foerster grass due to its tough foliage. This makes it a good choice where those pests are a problem.
Does Karl Foerster grass spread?
This ornamental grass spreads slowly outward by short underground rhizomes. It does not self-seed readily under normal conditions. The spread is much less aggressive than other grasses.
Is Karl Foerster grass evergreen?
No, Karl Foerster is considered semi-evergreen. In warm climates, some green foliage may persist through winter. In colder zones, it goes dormant and loses its leaves until spring growth resumes.
Conclusion
Karl Foerster feather reed grass is a standout, easy-care ornamental grass. With its fine texture and striking vertical form, it makes a statement in gardens and landscapes. Provide this grass with a sunny location, moderate water and fertilizer, and yearly pruning for optimal growth. Karl Foerster grass is versatile, hardy, and beautiful across many regions and settings. Incorporating it can add wonderful texture, color, and visual interest to your yard.