Product Description
Calamagrostis acutiflora 'Overdam' (30)ct Flat
Common Name: Variegated Feather Reed Grass, Ornamental Grass
'Overdam' has variegated foliage that starts out with bright creamy-white margins which then fade to white with a pink flush. The upright clump of foliage will remain under 2' tall. In late spring, strikingly erect, feathery plumes with sand-colored seed heads appear, reaching up to 5' tall. 'Overdam' is an ideal backdrop for low-growing, flowering perennials all through the year.
Though C. 'Overdam' prefers northern climates with sunny, dry weather, it will grow in partial shade in the south. Be sure to provide plenty of moisture in extremely hot weather. Cut back to 6 in. in spring before new growth begins. Propagate by division in either spring or fall.
Chicago Botanic Garden Plant Evaluation Top Performer -- 2018
Height: 5.0 Feet
Spread: 1.0-2.0 Feet
Hardiness Zones: 4,5,6,7,8
Flower Color: Purple shades
Foliage Color: Variegated
Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun)
Low to Average Water Needs
Fertile Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Late Spring
Deer Resistant
Seasonal Interest: Dried Seed Heads, Fall Color
Growth Rate: Medium
Border Plant, Cut Flower, Cut Foliage, Dried Flower, Easy To Grow, Attractive Foliage, Mass Planting, Salt Tolerant, Specimen, Focal Point
Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Overdam', commonly known as Overdam Feather Reed Grass, is a popular ornamental grass known for its striking variegated foliage and graceful form. This comprehensive guide will explore the characteristics, growing conditions, and landscaping uses of this versatile and low-maintenance plant, perfect for adding texture and movement to gardens.
Overdam Feather Reed Grass is a clump-forming, cool-season grass that typically reaches a height of 4-5 feet and a width of 3-5 feet. It is a compact variety that features narrow, arching leaves with distinctive creamy-white stripes, creating a vertical accent in the landscape. The variegation is even more pronounced in areas with low humidity and cool summer nights.
In late spring, delicate plumes emerge in a soft pinkish-green hue, creating a subtle contrast with the vibrant foliage. These feathery plumes reach up to 5 feet tall, with sand-colored seed heads that add to the plant's visual interest. The foliage starts out with bright creamy-white margins, which then fade to white with a pink flush. As the seasons change, the plumes transition to a rich gold color in the fall and persist into winter, providing multi-season interest. It is also worth noting that the seeds of this plant are sterile.
Overdam Feather Reed Grass is an ideal backdrop for low-growing, flowering perennials throughout the year.
Growing Conditions One of the key benefits of Overdam Feather Reed Grass is its adaptability to a wide range of growing conditions, making it a suitable choice for various garden settings. The best time to plant is in the spring or early fall.
- Soil Type This grass thrives in moist, well-drained soil but is adaptable to various soil types, including chalk, clay, loam, and sand. It can tolerate acidic, alkaline, and neutral pH levels. While it prefers moist conditions, it can also tolerate wet soil and is drought tolerant once established.
- Sunlight Requirements Overdam Feather Reed Grass performs best in full sun to partial shade. In hot summer climates, it appreciates some afternoon shade. However, too much shade can result in fewer flowers and floppier foliage.
- Hardiness Zones This grass is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Landscaping Uses Overdam Feather Reed Grass is a versatile plant with various applications in landscaping and gardening. Its upright form and striking foliage make it an excellent choice for adding vertical interest to borders, mass plantings, and container gardens.
- Vertical Accent The strong vertical lines of Overdam Feather Reed Grass make it an ideal choice for creating a vertical accent in the landscape. It can be used to draw the eye upward, adding height and structure to garden beds and borders.
- Mass Planting When planted in masses, Overdam Feather Reed Grass creates a dramatic effect, especially when combined with other ornamental grasses or perennials. It can also be used as a privacy screen or to define different areas within the garden.
- General Garden Use Overdam Feather Reed Grass is a versatile plant that can be incorporated into various garden styles, including prairie and meadow gardens, modern gardens, informal and cottage gardens, and city and courtyard gardens. It blends well with other perennials and adds texture and movement to the landscape.
- Groundcover Due to its dense growth habit, Overdam Feather Reed Grass can be used as a groundcover in certain situations. It can help suppress weeds and prevent soil erosion.
- Naturalizing and Woodland Gardens Overdam Feather Reed Grass can be used to naturalize areas of the landscape or to add a touch of wildness to woodland gardens. Its graceful form and adaptability make it a suitable choice for these settings.
- Container Planting This grass can also be grown in containers, adding texture and interest to patios, decks, and balconies. When planting in containers, choose a pot that is at least 12 inches in diameter and provide adequate drainage.
Tolerance Overdam Feather Reed Grass is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner-city environments. It is also tolerant of drought and wet soil conditions.
Maintenance Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Overdam' is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care, making it a favorite among gardeners. It is also deer and rabbit resistant. Simply cut back the clumps to the ground in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. This will encourage fresh growth and maintain the plant's tidy appearance.
Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Overdam' is a versatile and attractive ornamental grass that offers numerous benefits for gardeners and landscapers. Its striking variegated foliage, graceful form, and adaptability make it a valuable addition to any landscape. Whether used as a vertical accent, a mass planting, or a container plant, Overdam Feather Reed Grass is sure to enhance the beauty and interest of your garden. Consider adding this beautiful and low-maintenance grass to your own garden, where it can be paired with companion plants such as Achillea 'Firefly Sunshine', Asclepias tuberosa, Aster 'Grape Crush', Buddleia 'Queen of Hearts', Nepeta 'Walker's Low', and Sedum 'Tiramisu'. With its resilience and visual appeal, Overdam Feather Reed Grass is an excellent choice for those seeking an easy-to-grow and eye-catching addition to their outdoor space.
Thirty (30) plants per flat (or tray). Approximate Plug Measurements: 4.25 inches deep x 2 inches wide.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
