Calamagrostis Overdam

Description

A beautifully variegated ornamental grass that earns its place in the garden from the moment it emerges in early spring right through to winter. ‘Overdam’ is a refined, non-invasive selection of Reed Grass with low clumps of fresh green and white striped foliage that give way to soft, feathery greenish-mauve plumes in summer — maturing into stiff, wheat-coloured spikes that persist well into the colder months.

Versatile, well-behaved, and genuinely attractive across every season — one of the best variegated grasses available.

Why we love it

– Striking green and white variegated foliage from early spring
– Soft feathery plumes in summer maturing to warm wheat-coloured winter spikes
– Non-invasive — well-behaved and easy to manage
– Four seasons of genuine interest in one plant
– Works equally well as a specimen or in larger groupings

Best for

– Mid to back of border planting in large groupings
– Specimen planting as a standalone feature
– Mixed herbaceous and naturalistic planting schemes
– Adding year-round texture and movement to borders
– Low maintenance garden schemes

Growing conditions

Thrives in a sunny to partially shaded position with moist, well-drained soil. Non-invasive and easy to manage — simply trim to the ground in February or March before new growth emerges in spring. Establishes readily and improves in impact year on year.

What makes this product special

The variegated foliage sets ‘Overdam’ apart from most other reed grasses — the green and white striping adds brightness and contrast to border schemes from the moment it appears in spring. Combine that with the summer plumes and winter seed heads and you have a plant that genuinely works hard for twelve months of the year.

Caragh’s Garden Notebook

‘Overdam’ is one of those grasses that works wherever you put it. Use it as a bold specimen in a large pot, drift it through a mixed border, or plant it in generous groups towards the back of a scheme — it always looks considered and always looks good. Trim it back hard in late winter and it will come back fresh and bright every spring without fail.