Calamagrostis ‘Karl Foerster’ (Feather Reed)

Graceful, statuesque and architectural. Grasses add essential texture to any garden design and ‘Karl Foerster’ is one of the loveliest.

Arching blade-like leaves soar up to 1. 5 metres in whooshing great green columns, and in Summer a bronze haze of flowers will envelop the upper parts like fog. The flowers are fluffy and delicate and move splendidly in the meerest breeze. All parts of the plant will die back in Winter but you can leave the dried stems and faded flowers standing as they look splendid: full of tawny and golden shades when all else is a bit grey. Happy in any soil and won’t mind a bit of shade but probably best in full sun to see. Dot them about in drifts if you’re feeling easygoing as they suit a prairie style garden design very well. Line them up along a path and showcase their firm silhouettes, as this architectural quality makes them a fine contender for a more formal setting. Good for screening.