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Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster'
Home Plants Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’
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Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’

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This distinctive grass adds seasonal interest to the Herbaceous Island Beds.

Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’ was introduced into cultivation in the 1950’s by the acclaimed German horticulturist Karl Foerster, who spotted it as a distinct, garden-worthy plant in the Hamburg Botanical Garden in the 1930’s. Reaching 2.5m in height it brings added height and columnar structure to a mixed or herbaceous border in full sun, though it also grows well in containers. Purple-flushed flowers are produced in May, and as the season progresses the seed heads take on a warm buff colour. One of approximately 250 species of cool season grasses, Calamagrostis takes its name from the Greek kalamos (reed), and agrostis (grass-like), hence the common name reed grass.

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