skip to main content

Ornamental Grass

Karl Foerster's foliage

20 years ago

The Karl Foersters I planted about a year ago produced an enormous amount of foliage this summer and only few stems. We've had a fairly cool wet summer in Holland this year but I'm not sure that may have caused it. All the other grasses in my garden seemed to do just fine. Does it take a few years before a Karl Foerster produces enough stems to become attractive, should I plant more Karl Foersters closer together (how close?), or might something be wrong with the microclimate in my garden?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (2)

jake
20 years ago
Here in zone 4b-5 we have had on ocassion several grasses not do well in the first year. Karl has been one such grass and we, like you, tried to determine if it was micro-climate, weather - too cool,sunlight - not enough .. we were lost.

Year two proved to be better and Karl made a statement that looked more normal. Finally the third year Karl looked like Karl.

Patience is a virtue when gardening.

Jake
sage_lover
20 years ago
A lack of sun has made Karl less impressive where I grow it.
It looks exceptional in some areas which get 6 hours of sun or more. With only 4 hours of sun I have seen it produce NO seedheads. This is only my experience with it, where I plant it.
Related Professionals
Huntsville Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Muskogee Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Grand Rapids Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Las Vegas Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Hilo Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Gaithersburg Landscape Contractors · Columbus Landscape Contractors · Morgantown Landscape Contractors · Flint Landscape Contractors · Pine Bluff Architects & Building Designers · Frederick Architects & Building Designers · Texarkana Architects & Building Designers · Mason City Architects & Building Designers · Plattsburgh Architects & Building Designers · Mission Viejo Architects & Building Designers

Related Stories

GOLD FOLIAGE Great Design Plant: Feather Reed Grass

By Annie Thornton

Use this ornamental grass for height, color, texture and motion in your landscape

FALL GARDENING Houzz Call: Show Us Your Autumn Views

By Annie Thornton

Share your pictures of fall foliage and decor in the Comments. Your photos may be featured in an upcoming story!

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Great Design Plant: Sun-Loving Ninebark Puts on a Color Show

This tall, dark and handsome native shrub is equally at home in jeans and boots or in a suit and tie

MOST POPULAR Houzz Call: Show Us Your Winter View!

By Annie Thornton

Share pictures of your home and garden in winter — whatever your climate, architecture and plantings

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Set Your Shade Garden Aglow With Light

Invite brightness to the dark corners of your garden for a magical dance you won't want to miss

GRASSES 10 Ways to Use Ornamental Grasses in the Landscape

By Laura Gaskill

These low-maintenance plants can add beauty, texture and privacy to any size garden

LANDSCAPE DESIGN The 7 Best Plant Types for Creating Privacy and How to Use Them

By Falon Mihalic

Follow these tips for using different kinds of plants as living privacy screens

FALL GARDENING Why Fall Is the Best Time for Planting

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Spring is overrated for planting. Starting plants in autumn has advantages for both garden and gardener

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Exuberant Self-Seeders for Gorgeous, Easy-Care Gardens

By Donald Pell - Gardens

Keep weeds down, color high and maintenance low with beautful plants that sow themselves

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING 5 Hot Cool-Season Grasses

Chill out this spring with resilient grasses that will kick-start your garden and may just last all year

0

Sponsored