Easy to grow

feather reed grass

Calamagrostis acutiflora 'Overdam'

Overview

Feather reed grass (Calamagrostis acutiflora 'Overdam') is an amazing ornamental grass that adds texture and colour to the garden. A cool-season grass, it features slender, bright green leaves and tall graceful plumes that sway in the breeze. The leaves are one and a half times as long as they are wide, with a silvery white mid-rib, giving the blades a unique two-tone appearance. The small blooms open in June and turn to a buff-coloured shade by the end of August. Chickadees and goldfinches love to perch on the feathery blooms. Deer and drought tolerant, this grass is long-lived and low maintenance, providing year-round interest and beauty.

Care Guide

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Watering

Feather reed grass (Calamagrostis acutiflora 'Overdam') should be watered thoroughly once a week. It will need more water during the hot and dry summer months. In general, during the growing season, it should get about 1 inch of water per week. To ensure adequate soil moisture, you can use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to water. This helps the grass to receive water at a slow and steady rate. During especially dry periods, water this grass more frequently, but do not water it to the point of saturation or sogginess.

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Light

Feather reed grass (Calamagrostis acutiflora 'Overdam') requires full sun for optimal performance. It should receive at least 6 hours of sunlight each day, ideally in the morning hours when the sun is not as strong. If this grass species is grown in shade, it will grow much less vigorously and the flower stems will be shorter.

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Temperature

Hardiness zone 4–8.

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Pruning

Feather Reed Grass (Calamagrostis acutiflora 'Overdam') should be pruned in late winter (February or March) before new growth begins. Pruning should approximately remove 1-third of the foliage to encourage new, healthy growth. Be sure to remove any dead or damaged foliage during pruning, and look for signs of disease. Pruning too early can result in a loss of winter interest, so prune before new growth begins, late winter being the ideal time.

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Propagation

Division, Seed Propagation, Cutting, Layering Propagation

Uses & Symbolism

Attracts: Birds.

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