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Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Overdam’ (Feather Reed Grass)

Feather Reed Grass 'Overdam'

Feather Reed Grass, Calamagrostis x Acutiflora Overdam, Deer resistant plant, Overdam grass
Feather Reed Grass, Calamagrostis x Acutiflora Overdam, Deer resistant plant, Overdam 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
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 Poaceae
Genus Calamagrostis
Common names Reed Grass, Feather 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)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
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 Drought, Deer, Rabbit, Wet Soil
Attracts Birds
Garden Uses Banks And Slopes, Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Modern Garden, Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Calamagrostis nutkaensis (Pacific Reedgrass)
Calamagrostis canadensis (Bluejoint Grass)
Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Avalanche’ (Feather Reed Grass)
Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’ (Feather Reed Grass)
Calamagrostis brachytricha (Reed Grass)
Stipa calamagrostis (Spear Grass)

Recommended Companion Plants

Nepeta racemosa ‘Blue Wonder’ (Catmint)
Helenium ‘Waltraut’ (Sneezeweed)
Coreopsis verticillata ‘Moonbeam’ (Threadleaf Coreopsis)
Stachys officinalis ‘Hummelo’ (Bettony)
Hydrangea arborescens Incrediball® (Smooth Hydrangea)
Agastache ‘Black Adder’ (Giant Hyssop)

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Great Ornamental Grasses for your Winter Garden
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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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 Poaceae
Genus Calamagrostis
Common names Reed Grass, Feather 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)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
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 Drought, Deer, Rabbit, Wet Soil
Attracts Birds
Garden Uses Banks And Slopes, Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Modern Garden, Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Calamagrostis (Reed Grass)
Not sure which Calamagrostis (Reed Grass) to pick?
Compare Now

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