Karl Foerster is the feather reed grass that made ornamental grasses a landscape staple: a strictly upright, narrow clump that sends up feathery flower stalks in early summer, ripening to wheat-gold plumes standing 4 to 6 feet and swaying without flopping. Because it grows up rather than out, it fits tight beds where other grasses sprawl.

Give it full sun to part sun in nearly any soil, including heavy clay; it also tolerates wet spots and drought once rooted. Deer and rabbits leave it alone. Cut the whole clump down to ankle height in late winter before new growth starts.