Protected Series:
Zone: 5
OVERDAM FEATHER REED GRASS
Calamagrostis brachytricha 'Overdam', commonly known as Overdam Feather Reed Grass, is a refined variegated cultivar prized for its luminous, cool-toned foliage. Unlike the solid green species, 'Overdam' features striking creamy-white margins that border each deep green blade, giving the entire clump a shimmering, silvery appearance from a distance. It is a cool-season grass that maintains a neat, mounded habit of foliage about 3 feet tall, with flowering stalks that reach up to 4 or 5 feet. In mid-summer, it produces airy, feathery plumes that emerge with a subtle pinkish-bronze tint before maturing into a clean, golden-tan color that persists through the winter months.
Caring for 'Overdam' is straightforward, as it is a hardy and adaptable "workhorse" for the garden. It performs best in full sun, which ensures the white variegation remains crisp and the stems stay upright, though it can handle light afternoon shade in hotter climates. This grass is particularly well-suited for heavy clay soils and thrives in consistently moist, well-drained conditions. Because it is one of the first grasses to wake up in the spring, it should be cut back to about 4-6 inches in late winter or very early spring before new growth appears. Unlike many other variegated plants, 'Overdam' is remarkably stable and rarely reverts to solid green, making it a reliable choice for adding brightness to borders or mass plantings.
| PLANT | SIZE | TYPE | GALENA | ADD'L | DIG | SOON |
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To help this plant settle in and thrive, we recommend these standard planting practices: Plant in well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH. Water regularly, but avoid overwatering. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Fertilize lightly in the spring and summer.
Available cultivars in this genus:
