Calamagrostis acutiflora Avalanche - Feather Reed Grass

Calamagrostis x acutiflora Avalanche, also known as the hybrid Feather Reed Grass Avalanche, is a tall and erect grass with a dense habit, almost elongated, which is interesting for structuring a space. This beautiful cultivar with variegated foliage closely resembles the 'Karl Foerster' variety. The flexible and vertical mane formed by its vegetation, composed of dense linear, dark greenish-grey foliage, is variegated with a bright white central band, is noticeable from a distance. The flowers appear in early summer, well above the foliage, in the form of narrow mauve-greenish plumes that turn blonde over time. It is a very hardy perennial plant, perfectly adapted to wet soils but resistant in dry and poor soils.  It is spectacular at the edge of water, without ever becoming invasive.

Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Avalanche' is a robust perennial resulting from the hybridization between C.epigejos and C. arundinacea, sometimes called 'Stricta'. These grasses, belonging to the Poaceae family and originating from cold regions of Europe and temperate Asia, generally thrive in moist soils, in full sun or partial shade. 'Avalanche' forms an upright clump that reaches 1.20 m (4ft) in height and 70 cm (28in) in width, composed of long and slender, flexible and glossy leaves, which are dark greyish-green to slightly bluish, longitudinally streaked with a very striking white stripe.

The flowering stems appear in June-July. They are erect, stiff, and topped with long slender spikes, with a colour ranging from mauve to purple, tinged with green. These elegant plumes are particularly attractive covered in the morning dew. They then turn a bright blonde colour, the colour of the ripe seeds, which remain decorative on the plant for a long time. Almost sterile, this plant is not prone to spreading. The deciduous foliage takes on a yellow-tan colour and dies back quite late in the season, soon to be replaced by fresh foliage, in very early in spring.

Out of the 250 species that make up the Calamagrostis genus, very few are interesting. However, those that have real ornamental value are remarkably beautiful, like the acutiflora species. The 'Avalanche' hybrid reed grass is remarkable for adding a vertical note to the garden. It can be planted along a path, where it won't go unnoticed among bouquets of echinaceas, monardas, tall asters, veronicastrums, or Boltonia asteroides 'Snowbank'... It also adapts very well to container gardening that showcases its beautiful silhouette. Sublime, versatile, and requiring little care, it is undoubtedly one of the most appreciated grasses, as it will adapt to gardens around the world.