Calamagrostis 'Eldorado'

Calamagrostis 'Eldorado': Gold Pinstripes on a Ramrod Grass

'Eldorado' was named after a legendary city of gold, and every blade has a golden stripe to prove it. Tall, upright and wearing more bling than anything else in the border. TREASURE HUNT OVER.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Calamagrostis × acutiflora 'Eldorado'
• Common Name: Feather Reed Grass
• Height: 120–150 cm (4–5 ft) in flower
• Spread: 45–60 cm (1.5–2 ft)
• Flowers: Narrow plumes that ripen to wheat-coloured seedheads
• Bloom Time: Midsummer to early fall (July to September)
• Foliage: Narrow green blades with a golden yellow centre stripe; the gold can soften in hot weather

Where to Plant: Use it as a vertical accent in a sunny border, in a row along a fence or driveway, or in groups where low evening light can catch the gold. It tolerates clay and holds its shape through winter.

Companion Plants: Light up a sunny or lightly shaded bed with the gold-striped blades of 'Eldorado' and soft flowers around it. Monarda bradburiana opens pale pink, purple-spotted bee balm at 30 to 60 cm in May and June. Paeonia 'Felix Crousse' adds double crimson-red peonies at 70 to 85 cm in June. Phlox Super Ka-Pow™ White brings white heads at 45 to 50 cm from June to August. Solidago 'Little Miss Sunshine' adds compact golden goldenrod at 30 to 45 cm from July to October.

Plant Care: Plant it in full sun to part sun in average, well-drained soil. Water regularly through the first growing season, then only during extended dry spells. Too much shade can make it lean. Leave the foliage and plumes for winter. Cut everything back to about 15 cm (6 in) in late winter or early spring, before new shoots appear. Divide in spring if the clump becomes crowded.

History: 'Eldorado' was found by Todd Kowitz in November 2000 at his nursery in Kettle Falls, Washington, as a naturally occurring sport in a container of 'Karl Foerster' divisions. It keeps its parent's upright habit and sterile seed but adds gold-centred leaves.

Final Thoughts: Drought tolerant once settled, deer resistant and low maintenance. Plant a row and live like the gold rush never ended. STRIKE IT RICH.