Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Overdam' - Overdam' Feather Reed Grass

'Overdam' Feather Reed Grass is an ornamental grass that brings light and impeccable vertical structure to the garden. The unique charm of this variety lies in its creamy-white variegated foliage, which illuminates borders from spring to fall. It combines this elegance with an upright habit that never flops and feathery plumes that add movement and texture, offering four-season visual interest.

Characteristics

• Foliage: It develops a dense clump of deciduous foliage. Each long, fine leaf features a green center bordered by very clean, creamy-white margins. In the spring, new shoots often emerge with a subtle pinkish tinge. The foliage turns a golden tan in the fall.
• Flowering: In early summer, very straight flower stalks rise well above the foliage. They carry airy, feathery plumes (panicles), initially pinkish-purple, which mature to a golden wheat colour late in the season.
• Winter Interest: The dried foliage and plumes persist through the winter, offering a graphic silhouette and beautifully catching frost and snow.
• Light: It thrives in full sun but also adapts well to a location in partial shade.
• Habit: It forms a clump with a very upright, narrow, and columnar habit that does not spread aggressively.
• Growth: With a medium growth rate, it reaches a height of 90 to 150 cm (3-5 feet) in bloom, with a spread of 60 to 90 cm (2-3 feet).
• Soil: It is a very adaptable plant that tolerates a wide range of soils, including heavy clay, but prefers soil that remains moist and well-drained.
• Hardiness: Very hardy, it faces Zone 4 winters without any problem.
• Resistance: This robust grass resists deer well. Its strong habit prevents it from flopping.

Uses

• Types of Use: Its vertical structure makes it an excellent choice for creating an architectural accent, a low hedge, or a narrow privacy screen. It is spectacular in mass plantings or repeated throughout a border to create rhythm.
• Ornamental Features: Its variegated foliage brightens compositions and contrasts nicely with plants with purple or dark green foliage. Its plumes bring lightness and movement.

Care

• Watering: Water regularly during the first season to establish it. Afterwards, it tolerates short periods of drought well.
• Fertilizing: No fertilization is necessary.
• Pruning: Maintenance is very simple. Cut the dry foliage to the ground in late winter or very early spring, just before new shoots start.
• Planting: Plant it in the spring or fall. Divide the clump in spring every few years if the center becomes less vigorous.
• Winter Protection: No protection is required for this very hardy grass.