5. Feather Reed Grass (Calamagrostis × acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’)

Ornamental grasses add vertical structure, movement, and soft texture to landscaping with almost zero ongoing effort. ‘Karl Foerster’ feather reed grass features slender, upright green blades topped with golden-wheat blooms that sway gracefully in the breeze.

  • Light Requirements: Full sun
  • Watering Needs: Low to moderate
  • Key Benefit: Deer-resistant and provides year-round visual interest.

Maintenance is simple: cut the dead foliage back to near ground level once per year in late winter before new spring growth emerges.