Karl Foerster's Feather Reed Grass (Calamagrostis  × acutiflora 'Karl Foerster') kal-ah-mah-GROS-tiss ex ah-kew-tih-FLOOR-ah Genus:  Calamagrostis

Versatile, attractive and care-free ornamental grass with wheat-like appearance. Slender, upright, deep-green, lustrous foliage becomes effective by early spring and lasts all the way until winter. A cool season grass, 'Karl Foester' is upright and clump forming, with purplish-green, feathery plumes to 6'. It distinctively blooms in early summer rather than fall and must have winter chill to bloom. Long lived -- 25 years or more. -Santa Rosa Gardens

Noteworthy Characteristics: 

Considered drought tolerant and deer resistant once established. Attracts birds to the garden.

Care: 

Leave foliage and flowers for winter effect, cut back in early spring near ground. Does not reseed. This is an excellent choice of grass for creating a hedge, backdrop or screen effect.

Propagation: 

Divide in mid-spring.

Problems: 

Ergot, powdery mildew, tar spot, smut, and foot rot can occur.

Overview

Height 3 ft. to 6 ft. Spread 1 ft. to 3 ft. Growth Habit Spreads Light Full Sun to Part Shade Moisture Medium Moisture Maintenance Low Characteristics Attracts Song Birds, Showy Flowers, Showy Seed Heads Bloom Time Fall, Spring, Summer Flower Color Pink Uses Beds and Borders, Roadside, Waterside Style Meadow Garden, Rock Garden Seasonal Interest Summer Interest Tolerance Deer Tolerant, Drought Tolerant Type Grasses