Zone: 4
ELDORADO FEATHER REED GRASS
Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Eldorado', commonly known as Eldorado Feather Reed Grass, is a glowing variegated sport of the famous 'Karl Foerster' that brings a golden radiance to the garden. This cool-season grass is distinguished by a prominent bright gold stripe running down the center of each rich green blade, creating a luminous, bi-color effect that shines even in lower light. It maintains a strictly upright, narrow silhouette, typically reaching 4 to 5 feet in height with a compact 2-foot spread. In early to mid-summer, it produces elegant, wheat-like flower spikes that emerge with a bronzy-pink tint before maturing into a shimmering tan, providing a sophisticated vertical accent that lasts well into the winter.
Caring for 'Eldorado' is exceptionally simple, making it a favorite for low-maintenance landscapes. It performs best in full sun, which ensures the golden variegation remains vivid and the stems stay perfectly upright without flopping. This grass is highly adaptable to various soil types, including heavy clay, but it thrives most in consistently moist, well-drained conditions. Because it is a "cool-season" grower, it will be one of the first plants to wake up in the spring; therefore, it is best to cut the previous year's growth back to about 4-6 inches in late winter or very early spring. This annual pruning clears the way for the fresh, gold-striped foliage to emerge unimpeded as soon as the temperatures begin to rise.
| PLANT | SIZE | TYPE | GALENA | ADD'L | DIG | SOON |
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To help Calamagrostis acutiflora types settle in and thrive, we recommend these standard planting practices: Plant in full sun to partial shade in average, well-draining soil. Calamagrostis acutiflora varieties are highly valued for their narrow, upright, and architectural habit, making them an excellent choice for vertical interest in borders or mass plantings. They are adaptable to a wide range of soil conditions, including heavy clay, and prefer consistent moisture during the growing season. As these grasses are clump-forming and non-invasive, they do not require containment. For best performance, cut the foliage back to just a few inches above the ground in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh, vigorous growth for the new season.