Karl Foerster Grass Companion Plants: The Ultimate Guide

Oleh Anonymous February 06, 2021 Post a Comment

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Karl Foerster Grass

Karl Foerster Grass, also known as Feather Reed Grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster'), is a popular ornamental grass that was first introduced in the 1930s by German nurseryman Karl Foerster. This tall, upright grass with feathery plumes can grow up to five feet tall and two feet wide. It's a great addition to any garden or landscape because of its unique texture and ability to sway gracefully in the wind.

Companion Plants for Karl Foerster Grass

Karl Foerster Grass looks stunning on its own but can also be paired with other plants to create a beautiful, cohesive look in your garden. Here are some of our favorite companion plants for Karl Foerster Grass:

1. Russian Sage

Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) is a perennial plant with beautiful lavender-blue flowers and silver-gray leaves. It grows well in full sun and well-drained soil, making it a perfect companion for Karl Foerster Grass. The combination of the soft, wispy Russian Sage and the tall, upright Karl Foerster Grass creates a beautiful contrast in texture and height.

How to Grow Russian Sage:

Russian Sage is relatively easy to grow and care for. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It's drought-tolerant once established, so make sure not to overwater it. Prune it back in early spring to encourage new growth.

2. Coneflowers

Coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea) are a popular perennial plant with beautiful purple, pink, or white flowers. They grow well in full sun and well-drained soil, making them a great companion for Karl Foerster Grass. The combination of the tall, upright grass with the round, daisy-like flowers of coneflowers creates a stunning contrast.

How to Grow Coneflowers:

Coneflowers are also relatively easy to grow and care for. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil but can tolerate some shade. Deadhead them regularly to encourage new blooms. Divide them every three to four years to keep them healthy.

3. Black-eyed Susans

Black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta) are a hardy, low-maintenance perennial plant with bright yellow, daisy-like flowers and dark centers. They grow well in full sun and well-drained soil, making them a great companion for Karl Foerster Grass. The combination of the upright grass with the sprawling, low-growing Black-eyed Susans creates a beautiful contrast in height and texture.

How to Grow Black-eyed Susans:

Black-eyed Susans are very low-maintenance and drought-tolerant once established. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil but can tolerate some shade. Deadhead them regularly to encourage new blooms. Divide them every few years to keep them healthy.

4. Sedums

Sedums (Sedum spp.) are a group of low-growing succulent plants with thick, fleshy leaves and colorful flowers. They grow well in full sun and well-drained soil, making them a perfect companion for Karl Foerster Grass. The combination of the tall, upright grass with the low-growing, spreading sedums creates a beautiful contrast in height and texture.

How to Grow Sedums:

Sedums are very easy to grow and care for. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil but can tolerate some shade. They're drought-tolerant once established, so make sure not to overwater them. Divide them every few years to keep them healthy.

Other Companion Plants for Karl Foerster Grass

Here are some other plants that pair well with Karl Foerster Grass:

1. Daylilies

Daylilies (Hemerocallis spp.) are a group of perennial plants with colorful flowers that bloom for one day. They grow well in full sun and well-drained soil, making them a great companion for Karl Foerster Grass. The combination of the tall, upright grass with the low-growing, spreading daylilies creates a beautiful contrast in height and texture.

2. Shasta Daisies

Shasta Daisies (Leucanthemum x superbum) are a hardy perennial plant with white, daisy-like flowers and yellow centers. They grow well in full sun and well-drained soil, making them a great companion for Karl Foerster Grass. The combination of the tall, upright grass with the low-growing, spreading Shasta Daisies creates a beautiful contrast in height and texture.

3. Salvia

Salvia (Salvia spp.) is a group of perennial plants with beautiful purple, pink, or blue flowers. They grow well in full sun and well-drained soil, making them a great companion for Karl Foerster Grass. The combination of the tall, upright grass with the low-growing, spreading salvia creates a beautiful contrast in height and texture.

4. Coreopsis

Coreopsis (Coreopsis spp.) is a group of perennial plants with yellow, daisy-like flowers. They grow well in full sun and well-drained soil, making them a great companion for Karl Foerster Grass. The combination of the tall, upright grass with the low-growing, spreading coreopsis creates a beautiful contrast in height and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How tall does Karl Foerster Grass grow?

Karl Foerster Grass can grow up to five feet tall and two feet wide.

2. What kind of soil does Karl Foerster Grass prefer?

Karl Foerster Grass prefers well-drained soil but can tolerate some moisture.

3. Is Karl Foerster Grass deer-resistant?

Yes, Karl Foerster Grass is considered deer-resistant.

4. How do I care for Karl Foerster Grass?

Karl Foerster Grass is relatively low-maintenance. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Water it regularly until it's established, then only water during dry spells. Cut it back to the ground in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth.

5. How often should I divide Karl Foerster Grass?

You should divide Karl Foerster Grass every three to four years to keep it healthy.

Karl Foerster Grass is a beautiful and unique ornamental grass that can add texture and height to any garden or landscape. Pairing it with companion plants like Russian Sage, Coneflowers, Black-eyed Susans, and Sedums can create a stunning contrast in color, height, and texture. When selecting companion plants, make sure to choose plants that prefer similar growing conditions and have complementary colors and textures. With the right combination of plants, you can create a beautiful and cohesive look in your garden.