Calamagrostis acutiflora Overdam - Feather Reed Grass

Calamagrostis x acutiflora Overdam is a beautiful ornamental grass that is quite similar to the variety 'Karl Foerster', from which it mainly differs by its finely marginated foliage in pale yellow to cream-white, taking on a more pink hue over time. The pinkish-white spikes, which rise above this lovely foliage, are also more diffuse. It forms a beautiful rounded, graceful, and moving clump, perfect for adding movement and light to natural borders, in any soil or near water features. It will make a great impact when planted in a large pot on the patio!

Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Overdam' is a robust perennial sometimes called reed grass, resulting from the hybridization between C. epigejos and C. arundinacea, also known as 'Stricta'. These grasses, belonging to the Poaceae family, are native to cold regions of Europe and temperate Asia. They generally grow in moist soils, in full sun or partial shade, but their resistance and adaptability are extraordinary. 'Overdam' forms a dense, narrow, and upright clump, reaching a height of 1.2m (4ft) and a width of 60cm (24in), composed of long and slender, flexible and glossy, dark green leaves with a cream-yellow edge that fades to white and then turns pink. The variegation is more pronounced in regions with less humid summers and significant temperature differences between day and night. The foliage turns into a lovely shiny yellow-bronze shade at the end of the season.

The flower spikes appear in June-July. They are erect, stiff, and topped with long, very fine spikes, with a colour ranging between white and pinkish-purple, tinged with green. They are particularly beautiful when adorned with morning dewdrops. They then become a more blonde colour, similar to mature seeds, and eventually fade to a soft green-grey, a shade that remains decorative on the plant for a long time. Almost sterile, this plant is not prone to spreading. The deciduous foliage fades quite late in winter and is soon replaced by fresh new foliage in early spring.

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 'Overdam' hybrid of Calamagrostis is remarkable for its bright foliage, tinged with pink, and its very graphic silhouette that adds a vertical note to the garden. It can be planted along a pathway, where it will not go unnoticed among bouquets of echinaceas, monardas, tall asters, veronicastrums, or Boltonia asteroides 'Snowbank'... It will also thrive near a water feature, which will reflecting its beautiful moving mane. 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.