Variegated Feather Reed Grass
Calamagrostis arundinacea 'Overdam'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Grass
Height
48 inches
Width
24 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Europe and Asia
Toxicity
Non-toxic
The Story
Plant Bio
Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Overdam' is a clump-forming ornamental grass with striking variegated foliage; leaves have green centers and creamy white to pink-flushed margins. This cultivar is distinguished by its variegated leaves with creamy-white margins that are often flushed with pink in cool weather. Its upright, architectural habit and feathery plumes provide year-round interest.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds or divisions into well-prepared soil in early spring
- Water thoroughly after planting to establish roots
- Mist cuttings during the first few weeks to maintain humidity
- Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer
- Divide clumps every 3-4 years in early spring or late fall
- Mulch around base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
Pro Tip
Plant in well-draining soil with full sun for best growth
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water during dry spells to keep soil moist 🌱
- Prune back dead foliage in late winter
- Fertilize annually in spring
Don't
- Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot ❌
- Don’t cut back in late fall — wait until early spring
- Never plant in poorly drained soil
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Variegated Feather Reed Grass questions
What zones can Variegated Feather Reed Grass grow in?
Variegated Feather Reed Grass is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Variegated Feather Reed Grass deer resistant?
Yes — Variegated Feather Reed Grass is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Variegated Feather Reed Grass bloom?
Variegated Feather Reed Grass typically blooms in early summer through mid-fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Variegated Feather Reed Grass need full sun?
Variegated Feather Reed Grass does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Variegated Feather Reed Grass drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Variegated Feather Reed Grass handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Calamagrostis to compare
Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass
Calamagrostis x hybrida 'Karl Foerster'
Korean feather reed grass
Calamagrostis brachytricha
feather reed grass
Calamagrostis acutiflora
Feather Reed Grass
Calamagrostis x hybrida
Eldorado Feather Reed Grass
Calamagrostis acutiflora 'Eldorado'
Calamagrostis Avalanche
Calamagrostis acutiflora 'Avalanche'
Keep exploring
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Hardy in your zone?
Grow Variegated Feather Reed Grass with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
