Karl Foerster | Platt Hill Nursery
Light Requirements

Full Sun (more than six hours of sun)

Product Size

1 Gallon Pot

Karl Foerster

$15.99

Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass

Add elegance and movement to your landscape with Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’). This versatile ornamental grass features tall, upright clumps of slender green foliage that sway gracefully in the breeze. In late spring, feathery flower plumes emerge, maturing to golden wheat-colored spikes that persist through fall and winter, adding year-round interest to your garden. Ideal for borders, mass plantings, or as a striking vertical accent, Karl Foerster is a low-maintenance favorite for modern and classic garden designs alike.

Key Features:

  • Graceful Vertical Form: Grows 4-6 feet tall with a narrow, upright habit, perfect for adding height and structure to your garden.
  • Feathery Plumes: Flower spikes emerge in late spring, transitioning from soft pinkish hues to golden tan, lasting well into winter.
  • Low Maintenance: Thrives in a variety of soil types and requires minimal care once established.
  • Drought and Heat Tolerant: Performs well in dry conditions, making it ideal for low-water gardens.
  • Versatile Design: Complements a wide range of garden styles, from cottage and prairie to contemporary landscapes.
  • Deer and Rabbit Resistant: Keeps your garden safe from browsing wildlife.

Care Tips:

  • Plant in well-drained soil and full sun to ensure healthy growth and vibrant flower plumes.
  • Water regularly until established, then water sparingly as needed.
  • Cut back foliage to the ground in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh growth.
  • Divide clumps every 3-4 years to maintain vigor and prevent overcrowding.

Whether used as a focal point, a backdrop for colorful perennials, or a mass planting for texture and movement, Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass is a stunning and reliable choice. Its year-round beauty and adaptability make it a garden essential!

Visit our Bloomingdale, IL or Carpentersville, IL stores for local pickup!

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Why Green Giant Arborvitae Is the Best Choice for a Fast-Growing Privacy Tree

✔ A top choice for privacy, growing up to 3 feet per year for quick coverage.

✔ Dense foliage minimizes noise and blocks neighbors while fitting in compact spaces.

✔ A cost-effective, stylish alternative to traditional fencing.

How Often Should I Water Green Giant Arborvitae?

After planting, it’s essential to monitor the arborvitae’s water needs well into winter. Even in December and January, if the winter is mild with little snowfall, occasional watering may be necessary. Many homeowners stop watering in the fall when temperatures drop, leading to winter dehydration. Since arborvitae cannot access frozen water in the soil, it’s crucial to provide ample moisture before the ground freezes.

Tip: Green Giant Arborvitae are slow to show signs of water stress, often displaying damage long after dehydration occurs. Regularly check soil moisture to prevent issues.

How Fast Do Green Giant Arborvitae Grow?

Growth rate depends on various factors such as water, sunlight, soil type, fertilizer, and climate conditions. Green Giant Arborvitae are categorized as fast-growing privacy trees, typically growing 2-3 feet per year under optimal conditions. Unlike slower-growing arborvitae varieties, they quickly establish themselves and develop a dense, towering screen.

Tip: After planting, most evergreens take about two years to establish strong root systems. Significant top growth usually occurs in the third year.

How and When Should I Prune My Green Giant Arborvitae?

Pruning is generally not required due to their natural growth habit. However, if needed, the tops can be pruned to shape, and the sides can be lightly trimmed with hedge shears or pruners to control width.

Platt Hill Nursery recommends pruning in late winter before new growth emerges or after new growth has developed in late spring. DO NOT PRUNE IN FALL, as this can leave the tree vulnerable to winter damage. Dead or broken branches, however, can be removed at any time.

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