Lawn Guardian

Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass Care Guide

Calamagrostis x acutiflora

ornamental_grassZones 4–9deer resistant

Strongly upright, narrow grass with feathery plumes that emerge pink-purple and age to golden wheat. One of the most architectural grasses, holding its form all winter.

At a glance

Season-by-season care

Spring

Cut back to 4 inches Late winter/early spring

Cut the entire clump to 4 inches before new growth emerges.

Summer

Water during establishment First growing season

Water new plants weekly for the first season.

Fall

Leave for winter interest Fall

Wheat-colored plumes and rigid form are beautiful through winter, especially with frost or snow.

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Related plants

Sources: Purdue University Turfgrass Science: Use Growing Degree Days to Better Time Your Applications · University of Missouri Extension: Cool-Season Grasses: Lawn Maintenance Calendar · University of Minnesota Extension: Pre-emergent Herbicides for Crabgrass Control in Lawns