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.

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

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