Calamagrostis × acutiflora 'Karl Foerster'

In open sunny borders, this can be the workhorse of planting schemes, emerging in late winter with bright green leaves forming dense upright columns that rush into bloom by very beginning of summer. The plumes start out reddish-brown and open up fully, fading to pinky-gray then bleaching to straw colour when feathered stems fold tightly back against stalks. Dense terminal straw-coloured spikes persist deep into winter except in wettest regions. Early maturing makes for excellent seasonal screen.

Great Plant Pick and Perennial Plant Association Plant of Year 2001. Less suitable for wet areas where rains lead to collapsed plants. The early bloom and persistent structure are exceptional. Suitable for borders, screening, and mass plantings. Self-supporting and upright. One of the most popular ornamental grasses. Low maintenance once established.