Calamagrostis x acutiflora Overdam (Feather Reed Grass)
Noted for its variegated foliage, Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Overdam' (Feather Reed Grass) is a compact, tufted, ornamental grass forming a clump of narrow, elegantly arched, creamy-white striped leaves that will remain under 2 ft. (60 cm). In summer, it is topped with tall, airy, pinkish-purple feathery plumes, which mature to a dusky gray pink color and often persist into the winter. The variegation is most pronounced in climates with low humidity and cool summer nights. Fast-growing, reliable, with a multi-season interest, this cool season grass is not only beautiful, but it is also virtually carefree and quite versatile. A great-looking plant for the garden as it provides superb vertical lines. Particularly useful as an overtopping backdrop in borders or prairie plantings.
- Grows up to 4-5 ft. high (120-180 cm) and 2 ft. wide (60 cm).
- Performs best in full sun to part shade in average, medium to wet soils. Does well in heavy clay soils. Drought tolerant.
- Stunning as a specimen plant, in large borders or massed. Excellent for narrow spaces in the landscape, superb as a backdrop, and mixes well with colorful, blooming perennials. Flower plumes are suitable for fresh or dried arrangements.
- Virtually pest and disease free. Keep an eye out for rust. Deer and rabbit resistant
- Requires little maintenance. Cut clumps to the ground in late winter just before new growth appears.
- Cut back old stems to the ground in early spring before growth resumes. Propagate by division in mid-spring
Requirements
Hardiness | 4 – 8 |
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Heat Zones | 1 – 9 |
Climate Zones | 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Ornamental Grasses |
Plant Family | Calamagrostis – Reed Grass |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)Fall |
Height | 4' – 5' (120cm – 150cm) |
Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spacing | 24″ (60cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Showy |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought, Rabbit, Wet Soil |
Attracts | Birds |
Garden Uses | Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Modern Garden, Prairie and Meadow |