Karl Foerster feather reed grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora Karl Foerster) is a perennial ornamental grass with a distinctly vertical presence in the garden. The foliage grows 2 to 3 feet high, but only 18 inches wide, and even the flower plumes that rise to 5 feet remain stiffly erect. Feather reed grass is a long-lived grass; specimens have been known to live for 25 years or more without division. You can plant Karl Foerster grass in either spring or fall. It's hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 4 to 9.
Instructions
Planting Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass
1. Site your planting area in full sun or light shade. Choose an area with good drainage.
2. Amend soil, if necessary, with organic material such as compost or well-rotted manure. Soil in the planting area should be rich and loose, to encourage good root development.
3. Spread plant food over the planting area and mix well into the top 6 to 12 inches of soil. Be sure to follow package directions carefully for the correct amount of fertilizer to apply.
4. Dig a planting hole as deep as the container your plant is in, and twice as wide.
5. Remove the plant from the container and inspect the roots. Prune off any damaged or diseased roots. Carefully loosen the soil around the outside of the roots.
6. Place the plant into the hole so that the top of the rootball is at soil level.
7. Backfill around the plant's roots with soil, being careful to firm it well so that no air pockets remain around the roots.
8. Water the plant well to settle the soil around the roots.
9. Spread a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch around the plant to conserve moisture and keep weeds in check. Be sure the mulch does not cover the crown of the plant.
10. Space additional plants 2 feet apart (center to center).
On-going Care
11. Mulch feather reed grass well the first winter. This is especially important if you have planted the grass in the fall. Use an airy mulch that won't pack down, like straw or hay.
12. Remove winter mulch in early spring, before new growth starts.
13. Cut back old growth to 6 inches from the ground, using pruners or a pruning saw.
14. Apply fertilizer around the plant and scratch it into the top layer of the soil. Water the plant well so that the plant food soaks down into the root zone.
15. Renew summer mulch after the soil warms, to maintain a depth of 2 to 3 inches.
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