Calamagrostis × acutiflora ‘Overdam’ – A Striking, Variegated Grass with Elegant Form and Year-Round Interest
Calamagrostis × acutiflora ‘Overdam’ is a refined, cool-season ornamental grass that brings graceful structure, movement, and subtle colour to the garden. With its upright habit and creamy-white variegated foliage, ‘Overdam’ adds light and texture to borders from early spring through winter. This elegant feather reed grass offers a long season of interest, from its crisp, striped blades in spring to the tall, feathery plumes that emerge in summer and persist beautifully into the colder months. Perfect for modern, naturalistic, or formal planting schemes, it’s a low-maintenance, stylish solution for adding height and contrast without overwhelming surrounding plants.
Why Grow Calamagrostis ‘Overdam’?
Elegant Variegated Foliage – The finely textured leaves are edged in creamy white, providing a soft, luminous effect that brightens borders and blends effortlessly with other perennials and grasses.
Graceful, Upright Habit – With a strong vertical form, ‘Overdam’ stands tall and narrow, bringing structure to mixed plantings without spreading aggressively or flopping, even in heavy rain.
Feathery Summer Plumes – In early to midsummer, silvery-pink flower spikes rise above the foliage, gradually maturing to a warm golden-tan. These airy plumes remain standing through winter, catching the light and adding seasonal interest.
Low-Maintenance & Drought Tolerant – Once established, this grass is remarkably resilient and requires very little care. It’s well-suited to a wide range of soil types and is especially useful in urban or low-water landscapes.
Versatile & Stylish – Whether in a minimalist modern garden, a naturalistic prairie-style scheme, or a traditional mixed border, ‘Overdam’ contributes structure, movement, and a refined colour palette.
Planting & Care Guide
Position: Thrives in full sun to light shade. While it tolerates some shade, the best leaf colour and upright habit are achieved in sunny spots.
Soil: Prefers well-drained soil but adapts to a variety of conditions, including clay and loam. It performs best in moderately fertile soil with good drainage.
Watering: Water regularly after planting to establish strong roots. Once mature, it handles dry periods well but benefits from occasional deep watering in prolonged drought.
Maintenance:
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Cut back to the base in late winter or early spring before new shoots appear.
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Divide clumps every few years in spring to refresh growth and maintain a tidy shape.
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Leave flower heads standing through winter for architectural interest and wildlife value.
Perfect Plant Combinations
Calamagrostis ‘Overdam’ pairs beautifully with perennials like Echinacea, Salvia, and Sedum, where its soft foliage and upright plumes contrast with bold flower forms. In modern plantings, combine it with Allium, Nepeta, or Achillea for a breezy, textural effect. Its luminous foliage also makes it an ideal partner to darker-leaved plants such as Heuchera or Persicaria, creating striking visual contrast. For winter interest, plant alongside evergreens or structural shrubs like Cornus or Buxus to extend the garden’s appeal year-round.
Does the height include the pot?
No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description
How long does delivery take?
Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.
Where will you leave my plants?
We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.
