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Calamagrostis × acutiflora 'Overdam' (Overdam Feather Reed Grass)
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Grasses

Calamagrostis acutiflora 'Overdam'

Overdam Feather Reed Grass

Poaceae
Garden selection; European hybrid; named after Overdam, a garden in the Netherlands

At a Glance

TypeOrnamental grass
HabitUpright
FoliageDeciduous
Height36-48 inches (90-120 cm)
Width18-24 inches (45-60 cm)
Maturity3 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

4 - 9
Zone 4Zone 5Zone 6Zone 7Zone 8Zone 9
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
What's my zone? →
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Deer ResistantDrought TolerantContainer Friendly
Maintenancevery low

Overview

Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Overdam' is the original variegated feather reed grass, growing 36–48 inches (90–120 cm) tall and 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) wide. Named after Overdam, a garden in the Netherlands. Green-centered leaves with creamy-white marginal stripes — the standard variegation pattern (white edges, green center), opposite of the reverse-variegated 'Avalanche' (white center, green edges). The white-edged pattern creates a light, airy impression and makes the foliage appear lighter overall. A pinkish tint develops in the foliage in late summer and fall — adding a warm blush absent in the other cultivars. Pinkish-tan narrow upright spikes in June and July. Slightly less vigorous than 'Karl Foerster' due to reduced photosynthetic area. The oldest variegated feather reed grass — predating both 'Avalanche' and 'Eldorado'. Sterile hybrid. Cool-season grass.

Native Range

Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Overdam' is a variegated selection from the Netherlands.

Suggested Uses

Used in borders and containers of 7 gallons (26 liters). The original variegated feather reed grass. Choose 'Overdam' (white edges) vs. 'Avalanche' (white center) vs. 'Eldorado' (gold center) based on stripe pattern and color temperature.

How to Identify

Identified by green-centered leaves with creamy-white marginal (edge) stripes — the standard variegation pattern (opposite of 'Avalanche' which has a white center). The white-edged stripe pattern and the pinkish fall foliage tint are the cultivar traits. The original variegated feather reed grass.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height3' - 4'
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'

Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years

Colors

Flower Colors

pink
tan

Foliage Colors

green
cream
white

Fall Foliage Colors

pinkish tan

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~4 weeks
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Summer
Flowering in June and July, approximately 4 weeks. Pinkish-tan spikes.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Pinkish-tan aging to golden-tan, in narrow upright spikes

Foliage Description

Green center with creamy-white marginal stripes (standard variegation — white edges, green center)

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full SunPartial Shade
Requires 5-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.5(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamclay
Drainageaverage

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in full sun to partial shade. Average to moist soil. Cut to 6 inches in late winter. Remove all-green reverted shoots.

Pruning

Cut to 6 inches in late February–March. Remove all-green reverted shoots.

Pruning Schedule

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early spring

Maintenance Level

very low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 7 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic