Overdam Feather Reed Grass

Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Overdam'

Family: Reed Grass

Type: Ornamental grass

Other Common Name: Feather Reed Grass, Overdam Reed Grass

Overdam Feather Reed Grass is a striking ornamental grass known for its variegated foliage and elegant, feathery plumes. This perennial grass adds texture and movement to any garden setting. It’s characterized by its bright green leaves with creamy white edges, creating a vivid contrast in the landscape.

This grass is valued for its upright growth habit and ability to thrive in a variety of conditions. It’s a low-maintenance plant, making it a popular choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. Overdam Feather Reed Grass is particularly noted for its resilience and adaptability.

Ideal for adding height and drama to garden beds, Overdam Feather Reed Grass also works well in mass plantings. Its feathery flower stalks, which appear in early summer and last through the season, add an airy quality to the garden.

Needs & Preferences

Hardiness Zone: 3b-9a

Pet Friendly: Yes

Moisture Preference: Dry to moist

Sun Needs: Full sun to partial shade

Growth

Growth Rate: Medium

Average Height (feet): 4

Average Spread (feet): 2

Average Life Span (years): 10

Form: Upright spreading

Ornamental

Flower Color: Pink

Bloom Season: In mid summer

Foliage Color: Green

Leaf Fall Color: Brown

Foliage Shape: Grassy

Landscaping Your Yard With Overdam Feather Reed Grass

Incorporating Overdam Feather Reed Grass into your landscaping can create a dynamic and textured look. Its vertical growth pattern is excellent for breaking up horizontal spaces in the garden.

Plant it alongside pathways or use it as a backdrop for lower-growing plants and flowers. Its variegated leaves provide visual interest even when the grass is not in bloom.

Grouping multiple Overdam Feather Reed Grass plants together can create a stunning, cohesive look. This approach is especially effective in larger spaces or as a natural border.

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Suitable Garden Styles

Modern Landscapes

In modern garden designs, Overdam Feather Reed Grass adds a natural yet structured element. Its clean lines and elegant plumes complement the simplicity of contemporary landscaping.

Cottage Gardens

For cottage gardens, Overdam Feather Reed Grass offers a touch of whimsy and movement. Its feathery plumes blend well with the informal, abundant style of these gardens.

Formal Gardens

In formal garden settings, this grass provides a contrast to rigid structures with its flowing plumes and variegated foliage. It's perfect for adding a softer touch to structured designs.

Overdam Feather Reed Grass Landscaping Ideas

Create a natural privacy screen by planting a row of Overdam Feather Reed Grass. Its height and dense growth pattern are ideal for this purpose.

Combine it with perennial flowers for a vibrant and dynamic garden display. The grass’s vertical lines contrast beautifully with the softer shapes of flowering plants.

Use Overdam Feather Reed Grass in container gardens to add height and interest. This is a great way to incorporate the grass into smaller spaces or urban settings.

Seasonal Interest

Spring

In spring, Overdam Feather Reed Grass begins to grow, showing off its bright green and white variegated leaves. This early growth adds freshness to the garden.

Summer

During summer, the grass reaches its full height and produces feathery, cream-colored plumes. These plumes sway gracefully in the breeze, adding movement to the garden.

Fall

In fall, Overdam Feather Reed Grass retains its structure, with the plumes taking on a golden hue. This adds a warm, autumnal feel to the landscape.

Winter

Even in winter, Overdam Feather Reed Grass maintains its presence. The foliage and plumes turn to a tan color, providing interest and texture in the dormant garden.

Planting Tips

Where to Plant

Overdam Feather Reed Grass thrives in an area with full sun to partial shade. It’s well-suited for open spaces, garden borders, or as a statement piece in landscape designs due to its striking appearance and height.

Light

This grass prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Optimal growth and flowering are achieved with at least six hours of sunlight daily, making sunny spots ideal.

Soil

Overdam Feather Reed Grass adapts to a wide range of soil types but grows best in well-drained, fertile soil. It's relatively tolerant of various soil conditions, including clay, loam, or sandy soil.

Spacing

When to Plant

The best time to plant Overdam Feather Reed Grass is in the spring or early fall. Planting during these cooler seasons helps the grass establish its root system before the extremes of summer heat or winter cold.

How to Plant

Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball. Place the grass in the hole, backfill with soil, and water thoroughly. Mulching can help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Plant Care Tips

Watering

Regular watering is necessary during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Once established, Overdam Feather Reed Grass is drought-tolerant, requiring less frequent watering.

Fertilizing

Fertilize lightly in the spring with a general-purpose fertilizer to encourage growth. Avoid over-fertilization, which can lead to weak, floppy growth.

Pruning

Cut back the foliage to a few inches above the ground in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. This helps maintain a tidy appearance and promotes healthy new growth.

By Season

 

Spring Care

In spring, prune to remove old growth and apply a light fertilizer. Ensure consistent watering as the new growth emerges, especially in dry conditions.

Summer Care

During summer, Overdam Feather Reed Grass requires minimal care. Keep an eye on moisture levels during prolonged dry spells and water if necessary.

Fall Care

In fall, the grass can be left standing to add winter interest to the garden. Reduce watering as the plant begins to go dormant.

Winter Care

Overdam Feather Reed Grass is generally winter hardy. If needed, protect the root zone with mulch in areas with severe winter conditions.

FAQ

How Tall Does Overdam Feather Reed Grass Grow?

Overdam Feather Reed Grass typically reaches a height of 4 to 5 feet, with its feathery plumes adding extra height and visual interest.

Does Overdam Feather Reed Grass Spread Rapidly?

No, Overdam Feather Reed Grass grows in clumps and does not spread aggressively. This makes it a manageable addition to the garden.

Is Overdam Feather Reed Grass Deer Resistant?

Yes, Overdam Feather Reed Grass is generally considered deer resistant. Its texture and taste are not favored by deer, making it a good choice for gardens in deer-prone areas.

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