2020-2021 Hoffman Nursery Catalog of Grasses

CALAMAGROSTIS
CALAMAGROSTIS
Calamagrostis comes from the Greek kalamsos (reed) and agrostis (a kind of grass), hence the
common name “reed grass.” Found in Europe, Northern Asia, and Central and North America,
the genus includes roughly 250 species. Our selections are anchored by best-selling C. x acutiflora
‘Karl Foerster’, an interspecific hybrid named for the eminent German plantsman.
Calamagrostis brachytricha
KOREAN FEATHER REED GRASS
One of the few ornamental grasses that tolerates
and blooms in partial shade. A beautiful
specimen, or stunning in masses where foliage
and pink, feathery plumes catch the slightest
breeze. Grows in a 3’, fountain-like mound.
Water well at initial planting and give supplemental
irrigation the first season. In full sun,
does best with sufficient moisture.
Warm season, green, 3’, 4’ with blooms, sunshade,
dry-moist, flowers early fall, Zones 4-9,
Origin: East Asia
Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Eldorado’
PP16486
ELDORADO FEATHER REED GRASS
Has distinctive golden- and green-variegated
foliage. Culms retain a honey hue but may fade
in extreme heat. Elongated inflorescences top
off the culms and can reach 5’. It shares characteristics
of its parent, C. x acutiflora ‘Karl
Foerster’. A vigorous grower in well-drained
soil, full or part sun. Unauthorized propagation
is prohibited.
Cool season, green-gold variegated, 3’, 4’-5’ with
blooms, sun-part sun, average-moist, flowers late
spring, Zones 4-8, Origin: Asia
Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Eldorado’ PP16486
Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’
FEATHER REED GRASS
With a narrow, upright growth habit and longlasting
plumes, this best seller was the first ornamental
grass to receive the Perennial Plant
of the Year ® Award (2001). It offers good looks
and undemanding growing requirements.
Green foliage grows in a neat, 2’ clump. In late
spring, stalks rise to 6’ capped with elongated,
showy seed heads. Tolerant of heavy clay and
compacted soil. Not known to reseed; seeds
believed to be sterile.
CALAMAGROSTIS
Calamagrostis brachytricha
Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Avalanche’
VARIEGATED FEATHER REED GRASS
A form of C. x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’ with
vivid variegation: deep-green edges and white
centers. Grows in a neat clump through early
summer, then silver plumes shoot above. A
cool season grass, it seems to be stable in the
summer heat at our nursery. Mix with perennials
or plant in masses. Discovered by plantsman
Steve Schmidt.
Cool season, green, 2’, 6’ with blooms, sun-part sun,
average-moist, flowers late spring, Zones 4-7, Origin:
Europe
Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Avalanche’
Cool season, green-white variegated, 2’, 5’ with
blooms, sun, average-moist, flowers late spring,
Zones 4-8, Origin: Europe
Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’
Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Overdam’
VARIEGATED FEATHER REED GRASS
A sport of C. x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’ with
creamy white and green along the length of its
leaves. Will tolerate heat and humidity when
planted in part shade but prefers cool nights.
Clumping foliage reaches 18”; culms with airy
seed heads tower 5’. Cut back at the end of
winter for new growth and late spring flowering.
Cool season, green-white variegated, 1.5’, 5’ with
blooms, sun, average-moist, flowers late spring,
Zones 5-7, Origin: Europe
Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Overdam’
28 We grow good grass! ® 1-800-203-8590 hoffmannursery.com
29