Tall Moor Grass Karl Foerster

This grass is fully frost-hardy. It belongs to zone 4a, which means it can withstand temperatures down to -34 °C. In our climatic conditions, it does not require any winter protection or covering with pine boughs, provided you leave it unpruned through the winter. It is a reliable and long-lived perennial.

Flowering begins in the second half of summer, usually in August, and continues through September into October. The flowers are delicate, airy panicles that are initially golden to brown in color, later turning into shades of beige. In the autumn, the entire plant, including the stems, turns a striking golden-yellow.

The 'Karl Foerster' cultivar is architecturally very interesting due to the difference between the height of the leaves and the flowers. The leaf clump itself is relatively low and dense (approx. 50–60 cm), but in the summer, tall, thin flower stems grow from it, which can reach a height of up to 180 cm. Thanks to this, the plant looks very airy and transparent, so even though it is tall, it does not obstruct the view of the plants behind it.

Quite the opposite! The 'Karl Foerster' cultivar was bred and selected specifically for its strength. Its stalks are upright and flexible, so they withstand even strong wind and rain very well without breaking or permanently lodging. They remain decorative for a long time, even in winter under frost.

Don't worry. Feather reed grass 'Karl Foerster' is a clumping grass and does not spread via underground runners like some invasive grass species. While the clump will slowly enlarge and thicken over the years, it stays in its place. It is a very well-behaved plant suitable even for mixed perennial borders.

We have good news for you – this feather reed grass is an exceptionally hardy plant. It does not suffer from any specific diseases or pests. Slugs usually avoid it, and fungal diseases attack it only very rarely. It is an ideal plant for gardeners who want a beautiful garden without the need to use sprays.

No, Molinia arundinacea is not poisonous. It is safe for children, dogs, and cats. Although the leaves are a bit rough (grass-like), they pose no toxic risk.

For this cultivar, choose a spot in full sun or partial shade. Unlike many other ornamental grasses, feather reed grass loves moister conditions, so it will thrive in heavier, clayey, and humus-rich soils that retain water well. The original species grows in damp meadows, so avoid excessively dry and sandy spots where the plant would suffer from drought stress and fail to reach its impressive height.

Yes, it is absolutely perfect for that! The sturdy and long stems of the 'Karl Foerster' cultivar are highly valued by florists.

• Fresh bouquets: They add height and airiness to arrangements.
• Drying: If you harvest the stems in the autumn, when they are fully developed and starting to turn golden, they will last in a vase all winter without water and will not shed.

That is typical for feather reed grass and is no cause for concern. It belongs to the so-called warm-season grasses, which sprout later, only once the soil has warmed up sufficiently (often not until April or May). Please be patient; once it starts growing, it will catch up very quickly.

Because this is a cultivar, we do not propagate it by seeds (as it might not retain its original characteristics), but by dividing the clumps. The ideal time is early spring, as soon as the plant starts to sprout (March/April). Dig up the older clump, divide it into smaller parts using a spade or sharp knife, plant them immediately in a new location, and water thoroughly.