Perennial "Plant of the Year"

Each year members of the Perennial Plant Association vote for an outstanding perennial as the “Plant of the Year.” To be considered for this honor a perennial must be suited for a wide range of climatic types, have low maintenance needs, be easily propagated, and exhibit multiple seasons of interest.

The plant carrying this distinction in 2001 is Calamagrostis xacutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’ a feather reed grass considered to be one of the most versatile, attractive, and low maintenance ornamental grasses. From early spring until early winter, this cool-season grass sports shiny, deep green foliage in narrow clumps 2 to 3 feet tall. In June flower stems are topped with loose, feathery, light pink inflorescences. Mature seed heads turn golden tan, a color that is retained through fall. Flower stems can reach up to 5 feet in height and provide a nice vertical accent. One advantage of this cultivar is that it is sterile, a trait that prevents this grass from becoming invasive or from self seeding. Maintenance consists of cutting stems back to about 6 inches tall in late winter or early spring.

‘Karl Foerster’ is a natural hybrid that has been grown in the US since 1964 and has proven its adaptability in Hardiness Zones 4 to 9. Although well-drained fertile soils with sufficient moisture provide the best conditions, it will tolerate heavier clay soils and drier sites, a real plus for Missouri gardeners. Light requirements for this long-blooming, long-lived grass are full sun to partial shade. This cultivar is usually free of serious disease or insect problems although a foliar rust can occur in wet summers in situations with poor air circulation.

In the landscape ‘Karl Foerster’ is versatile and can be used alone as a specimen plant, in groups if you need a fast-growing screen, with other plants in a border, or as a container plant. If you like movement in the garden, site this grass where you can admire how it gracefully catches the breeze. Some companion plants recommended by the Perennial Plant Association for this feather reed grass are those that bloom during the late summer or early fall such as coreopsis, coneflowers, blazing stars, and rudbeckia. In addition, this cultivar can be used in either fresh or dried flower arrangements; for the latter, cut stems before the flowers mature and they will keep their golden tan color for months.

Other perennials that have earned the distinction of being selected as a “Plant of the Year” are also good bets for including in your landscape and can be found at your local garden center or nursery. Additional details on the culture of ‘Karl Foerster’ or any of the previous winners can be found on the Perennial Plant Association’s website at http://www.perennialplant.org/ppy/ppyindex.html.

Previous winners of the perennial "Plant of the Year" award

2000- Scabiosa columbaria 'Butterfly Blue'
1999- Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii 'Goldsturm'
1998- Echinacea purpurea 'Magnus'
1997- Salvia 'May Night'
1996- Penstemon digitalis 'Huskre Red'
1995- Perovskia atriplicifolia
1994- Astilbe 'Sprite'
1993- Veronica 'Sunny Border Blue'
1992- Coreopsis 'Moonbeam'
1991- Heuchera micrantha 'Palace Purple'
1990- Phlox stolonifera

Anastasia Becker, Integrated Pest Management Program, UMC