Overview
Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Overdam' (v) is a bushy grass like in the genus Calamagrostis, part of the Poaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Overdam' (v) grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, prairie planting, architectural, low maintenance and flower borders and beds.
About
Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Overdam' (feather reed grass 'Overdam') is a bushy, deciduous grass cultivar within the genus Calamagrostis, which belongs to the Poaceae family. It typically grows to a height of 0.5 to 1 metre with a spread of 0.1 to 0.5 metres, reaching full height in 2 to 5 years. This grass thrives in a variety of soil types and pH levels, preferring moist but well-drained or well-drained soils. It is suitable for full sun to partial shade and can be grown in both exposed and sheltered aspects, offering seasonal interest in summer and winter.
About the genus
Calamagrostis is a genus of flowering plants in the grass family Poaceae, with about 260 species that occur mainly in temperate regions of the globe. Towards equatorial latitudes, species of Calamagrostis generally occur at higher elevations. These tufted perennials usually have hairless narrow leaves.
Wikipedia contributors, "Calamagrostis", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Calamagrostis
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Calamagrostis
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, North-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Overdam' (v) size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Grass Like
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Prairie planting, Architectural, Low Maintenance, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Overdam' (v)
- Propagation
- Division in mid-spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to a rust
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Overdam' (v)?
Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Overdam' (v) prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Overdam' (v) need?
Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Overdam' (v) is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
How big does Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Overdam' (v) grow?
Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Overdam' (v) reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Overdam' (v) hardy in the UK?
Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Overdam' (v) has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Overdam' (v)?
Division in mid-spring.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Calamagrostis genus
- Calamagrostis × acutiflorafeather reed grass
- Calamagrostis brachytrica
- Calamagrostis x ac. 'Karl Foerster'Reed Grass