As a gardening and landscaping expert, I can provide you with some detailed information about Overdam grass and its spreading tendencies. Overdam grass, also known as Feather Reed grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Overdam’), is a popular ornamental grass cultivated for its beautiful variegated foliage and elegant plumes.
One of the great advantages of Overdam grass is that it is a sterile cultivar, which means that it does not produce viable seeds. This characteristic is particularly important when it comes to controlling its spread in the garden. Unlike some other grass species, there is no need to remove the seed heads of Overdam grass to prevent it from spreading. This makes it a low-maintenance option for gardeners.
During the winter months, leaving the grass up can have several benefits. Firstly, the seed heads can add visual interest to the winter garden, especially when covered with a dusting of snow. They also provide food and shelter for birds, enhancing the ecological value of your garden. Additionally, the dried grass blades can help protect the crown of the plant from extreme cold temperatures.
However, it is important to note that leaving the grass up through winter does not mean that it will spread uncontrollably. As mentioned earlier, Overdam grass is a sterile cultivar, so it will not produce viable seeds that can germinate and spread. This makes it a safe choice for gardens where invasive plants are a concern.
In late winter or early spring, it is advisable to cut back the grass to around 2-3 inches above the crown. This will make room for new growth and help maintain the plant’s overall health and appearance. The cut back grass can be left in the garden as a natural mulch or composted if desired.
In my personal experience, I have found Overdam grass to be a reliable and well-behaved plant in the garden. It does not spread aggressively like some other grasses and remains contained within its designated area. Its variegated foliage adds a touch of elegance and interest to the landscape, and the plumes provide a graceful movement in the breeze.
To summarize, Overdam grass does not spread due to its sterile nature. You can leave the grass up through winter, enjoying its visual appeal and providing ecological benefits, such as food and shelter for birds. In late winter or early spring, a simple cut back of the grass to a few inches above the crown will promote new growth and maintain the plant’s overall health. Overall, Overdam grass is a low-maintenance and well-behaved ornamental grass option for gardeners.
