Description
Calamagrostis × acutiflora 'Overdam' | Feather reed grass
Calamagrostis × acutiflora 'Overdam', commonly referred to as feather reed grass, is a striking ornamental grass that brings an elegant vertical presence to the landscape. Its slender foliage, with a distinctive cream, green, and yellow variegation, gracefully sways in the breeze, providing movement and texture to garden borders and solitary plantings.
Key Features
Some of the key features of Calamagrostis × acutiflora 'Overdam' include:
- The plant's clump-forming and ascending growth habit ensures a tidy appearance with a compelling vertical accent.
- 'Overdam' flourishes in a range of well-drained soils and is adaptable to both sunny and partially shaded locations.
- With a height reaching up to 1.5 meters, it stands out in the garden with its feathery plumes starting out purple in summer and transitioning to a beautiful brown hue in autumn and winter.
- This deciduous grass adds seasonal interest with foliage colors that remain vibrant from spring through autumn.
- The plant does not bear fruit, and its flowers are not fragrant, which allows it to blend well with a variety of fragrant garden companions.
Tips
- To maintain the health and vigor of Calamagrostis × acutiflora 'Overdam', consider dividing the plant every few years. This process is best conducted during the cooler months of spring or autumn.
- While 'Overdam' has average water needs, ensure consistent watering especially during dry spells to keep the plant thriving.
- When planting in borders or as a group, space the plants adequately to allow for their clump-forming habit and to enable air circulation, which is vital for their health.
- As the plant is deciduous, cut back the old stems in late winter before the new growth starts to keep your garden looking neat and to encourage robust new stems.