Calamagrostis 'Avalanche'

Calamagrostis × acutiflora 'Avalanche': Avalanche Feather Reed Grass

Elegant and eye-catching, Calamagrostis 'Avalanche' is a refined ornamental grass with crisp variegated foliage and strong vertical presence. Its narrow, green blades are boldly striped with creamy white down the centre, creating a bright column of texture even before the airy, tan flower plumes emerge in early summer. Upright and tidy, this cool-season grass adds structure to the garden without bulk, holding its form beautifully through fall and into winter. It’s a standout choice for sophisticated borders, contemporary plantings, and year-round interest.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 120–150 cm (in bloom)
• Spread: 60–75 cm
• Flower Colour: Tan turning golden with age
• Flowering Period: Early to late summer
• Foliage: Narrow green blades with bold white central variegation
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained soil; tolerates clay and periodic drought

Uses and Benefits: 'Avalanche' provides strong vertical lines and luminous foliage in mixed borders, foundation plantings, and modern designs. Its variegation adds brightness even before flowering, and its upright habit makes it perfect for screening, repetition, or focal accents. This grass pairs well with pollinator perennials, anchors plantings with grace, and offers a long season of visual appeal—from early growth through its winter silhouette.

Companion Plants: Pair Calamagrostis 'Avalanche' with the soft lavender blooms of Aster 'Wood's Light Blue', the pure white daisies of Echinacea 'Prairie Splendor Compact White', and the cheerful golden sprays of Solidago 'Little Miss Sunshine'. This palette blends clarity and contrast, offering long-lasting blooms, pollinator value, and architectural cohesion in sunny borders.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun for best colour and upright habit. Water regularly during establishment; mature plants are moderately drought tolerant. Cut back to 10–15 cm in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Divide every few years in spring to maintain vigour and shape. Avoid overly rich soils, which can encourage flopping.

History: 'Avalanche' is a sport of the popular Calamagrostis 'Karl Foerster', selected for its bold variegated foliage and equally strong garden performance. Like its parent, it’s a hybrid of European and Asian reed grasses, valued for its early bloom, narrow form, and adaptability in landscapes across North America.

Final Thoughts: With its luminous blades and refined architecture, Calamagrostis 'Avalanche' is a vertical accent that energizes the garden. It’s a grass of quiet strength and subtle brightness—cool, clean, and effortlessly elegant.