Gardening in Canada Container Gardening Ornamental Grasses

Karl Foerester Feather Reed Grass in container

4 years ago

I've read conflicting things about the zone hardiness of Karl Foerester Feather Reed Grass - I've read it's zone 3, 4 and 5.

I'm asking because I want to keep them in containers so they provide a privacy barrier for my patio.

Just wondering if anyone has experience overwintering them in zone 5 in containers outside?

I was thinking I'd plant a couple in the ground (with the container), another in the ground without a container (in the spring I'd dig it out and put it back on the container - would this be too much stress on the roots) and another I'd keep in the container above ground wrapped in burlap...that way I won't kill them all if I just leave them in containers.

Right now all of them are floppy (bought them like that) - at what point will they become erect and fuller?

Featured Answer

debbiecz3

4 years ago

Karl Foerster is perfectly hardy in zone 2b/3 so chances are yours would survive overwintered in a container, but your experiment sounds like a good way to confirm. Another option is to store the containers for the winter in a shed, unheated garage or even a window well if that is available to you.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (7)

User
4 years ago
I sincerely doubt that wrapping containers with burlap will do the trick in a zone 5 winter. Planting them in the ground with the container should work if there is sufficient drainage (i.e. not a waterlogged area) - and mulching on top of that will help even more.
crushedpurple thanked User
Related Discussions
Feather Reed Grass combinations?
Q
Comments (3)
Hmmm, well, I'd skip the daylilies myself, since there's not enough foliage contrast with the grass for my taste. I very much like sedums with ornamental grasses, that's a great choice. How about some Salvia ("May Night" is a good one), lavender, catmint, perhaps a rugosa rose or two? For continuous color, mix in a few annual Vinca, which have fairly low moisture requirements compared to other annuals.
...See More
Karl Foerster feather reed grass
Q
Comments (3)
I grow it in the mountains and have no problems. I noticed it prefers moist soils and some afternoon shade according to some sites. It flowers very early in the season. Perhaps it will not do well in times of drought. Here is a link that might be useful: Calamagrostis Karl Foerster
...See More
Mini Karl Foerster feather reed grass?
Q
Comments (2)
It could be Calamagrostis x 'Cheju-Do.' It's considered to be a dwarf feather reed grass, and is at least a foot shorter than Karl...running 2-4' tall.
...See More
Karl Foerster feather reed grass
Q
Comments (3)
Here in CA, I divide in February. Dig up the clump, place on driveway. Take shovel. Making sure each piece has adequate roots, cut into as many or few pieces as you would like. Plant divisions immediately in pots or the ground. Enjoy. Ease of digging up and dividing is another reason to love this particular grass.
...See More
crushedpurple
Original Author
4 years ago
Thanks debbiecz3 - that's what I thought. I will put two in a unheated shed, leave one outside, and put the other one in-ground with the container and see how well they all do next spring.

BTW do you know if it's normally for them to flop this time of year? I just bought them so I'm thinking they're still young and that's why. Also how big of a container would you advise. I planted 2 in existing containers, have to buy a couple more for the other two. I've provided pictures so you can see how floppy they are. They get afternoon sun

Store container
mblan13
4 years ago
Check out the pot in pot method.
crushedpurple thanked mblan13
debbiecz3
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
crushedpurple, they will flop if they don’t get enough sun, too much water, or too much fertilizer. Also, they prefer a leaner soil I think. Chances are yours will stand up once they get adjusted to their new environment; if you just recently got them they were probably not getting the light they needed especially if they were growing indoors. From what I can tell your first 2 containers look to be a good size to start; they made need uppotting by the fall depending on growing conditions this summer. One piece of advice for storing, I have found that tipping over larger pots helps to prevent possible root rot when temps start to warm up and fluctuate in the late winter/early spring. This is particularly true for hostas anyway (I have lost some due to this reason); may not apply to grasses but it might not be a bad idea to try. Good luck!
crushedpurple thanked debbiecz3
crushedpurple
Original Author
4 years ago
Hi again debbiecz3 - the grasses are still floppy. Do you know at point they might straighten up? Thanks again.
debbiecz3
4 years ago
I think you’ll just have to be patient. Make sure they’re getting lots of sun and don’t overwater. I wondered about maybe cutting them back a bit but I’m not sure if that is wise. Good luck!