Height:

5.0 Feet

Spread:

2.0 Feet

Hardiness Zones:

4,5,6,7,8

Flower Color:

Tan shades

Foliage Color:

Green shades

Sunlight:

Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun)

Water Requirements:

Low Water Needs Average Water Needs

Soil Quality:

Fertile Soil Quality

Soil Chemistry:

Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0) Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0) Alkaline Soil (pH > 7.0)

Bloomtime:

Late Spring

Critter Resistant:

Deer Resistant

Seasonal Interest:

Dried Seed Heads Fall Color

Growth Rate:

Medium

Garden Style:

Eclectic Woodland Shade

Other Features:

Border Plant Cut Flower Cut Foliage Dried Flower Drought Tolerant Easy To Grow Mass Planting Salt Tolerant

Origin:

Not Native to North America

C. 'Karl Foerster' prefers sunny, dry conditions. It can be grown in nearly any soil, including heavy clay. Be sure to provide plenty of moisture in extremely hot weather. Cut back to 6 in. in spring before new growth begins. Propagate by division in either spring or fall.

Growing Temperature:

55-65° F

Holding Temperature:

45-55° F

Soil PH:

5.8-6.5

EC (What is EC?):

2.0-3.0 pour through method

Fertility:

Moderate to heavy feeder.
100-200 ppm N at each irrigation.

Vernalization:

Cold required for 10-12 weeks at temperatures below 40 degrees F.

Pests & Diseases:

Avoid growing too wet as this can lead to crown and root rots.

Potting & Timing:

Calamagrostis is a cool season grass, meaning it begins to grow as soon as the temperature rises above freezing in the spring. Best planting times are in the spring and early fall.

NOTE: Calamagrostis brachytricha is a warm season grass and should only be planted when temperatures are 68 degrees or warmer. Plant these in early summer for best results.

Moisture:

Use a well drained media. Keep moderately moist.

Planting Level:

Plant the crown level with the soil line.

Lighting:

Requires long days for flowering.

Other Comments:

This is a cool season, clumping grass with an erect growth habit. It prefers full sun and can tolerate a heavy clay-based soil. It does not re-seed. 'Karl Foerster' was voted Perennial Plant of the Year in 2001.

Awards

Perennial Plant Association Plant of the Year -- 2001

Missouri Botanical Garden Emeritus Plants of Merit

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