Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Avalanche'
Variegated Feather Reed Grass
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Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Avalanche’ is a variegated form of former Perennial Plant of the Year®, C. x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’. Its foliage looks as though it were painted with brush strokes of deep green margins and creamy white centers, the opposite variegation of C. x acutiflora ‘Overdam’. It grows in a neat clump through early summer; then silver plumes shoot up high above the foliage, supplying texture and vertical expression to the landscape well into winter. Although it is a cool-season grass, Variegated Feather Reed Grass is drought tolerant and seems to be stable in the summer heat at our nursery. Use it as a screen, contrast it with perennials in mixed borders, or plant in masses. Variegated Feather Reed Grass was discovered by Steve Schmidt of Oregon.
Zone
4-8
Growth Cycle
Cool
Features
GROWER INFO & TIPS
- Growth rate: medium (cool-season grass)
- Grow in 1, 2, or 3-gallon containers (no larger)
- Grow in well-drained soil
- Water needs: keep evenly moist; avoid excess moisture
- Fertilizing: use a slow release, medium-rate fertilizer
- Possible pests: aphids, leaf spot, occasional spidermites, rust
- Overwintering: cold frame with clear poly, keep dry; can overwinter outside if protected from excess moisture (especially in Southern states)
- This is a cool season plant; avoid fertilizing during hot summer months
*Note: please adapt these suggestions as needed to accommodate your local conditions.
LANDSCAPING INFO
- Variegation on each leaf varies while maintaining a pattern of deep green borders and cream centers
- Attractive clumping shape stands on its own before and after plumes appear in May
- Flower stalks give it strong vertical lines that mix well with flowing foliage or broad-leaved plants
- Cool-season character means bright, variegated foliage when warm season plants are just getting started in spring or are looking tired in fall
