Energy Efficient, Cool Season Calamagrostis
Posted by Emerald Coast Growers on Oct 24th 2025
Need to keep your benches full and your heating bills low? With the right cool season grasses, it’s more than possible — it’s profitable.
“Feather reed grass” is a classic cool season grass that thrives with warm days and easy to maintain night temperatures. Hardy from Zones 4–10 (except gold-striped 'Eldorado', hardy to Zone 5), these grasses add value with their versatile size, growing 3 or 4 feet tall at maturity.
We offer six varieties of this handsome, top-selling species.
Broad, flashing, central bolts of creamy white, with emerald-green edging.
Low maintenance. Drought tolerant at maturity.
xa. 'Karl Foerster'
2001 PPA Perennial Plant of the Year.
The standard-setter, and one of our most popular grasses.
Deep green, lustrous foliage from early spring all the way to winter.
Forms erect clumps with attractive feathery plumes.
xa. 'Overdam’
Like a two-tone ‘Karl Foerster’, with creamy white longitudinal variegation.
Blush pink on arrival, seedheads mature to a warm tan for interest through multiple seasons.
All varieties feature attractive, long-lasting, feathery buff plumes. All come in multiple sizes to suit your production protocols.
Best of all, they all react favorably to the same economical growing regimen: Trap the sun’s warmth by day and heat to just 45°F (8°C) overnight for optimum growth.
xa. 'Eldorado'
An upright form like 'Karl Foerster', but variegated, with a bold gold stripe on the center of the blade.
The warm yellow variegation pairs well with perennial or annual color.
xa. Hello Spring!®
An ECG Introduction!
A variegated showstopper with a neat, refined habit.
Vibrant green centers with sparkling white edges make this a feather reed grass you'll want to meet.
xa. 'Avalanche'
An impressive vertical grass that boasts a wide, white band that slides down the center of each blade.
In midsummer, silvery- tan plumes sway above the upright foliage and remain attractive through winter.
Full benches. Low bills. Happy growers exclaim, "Hello Spring!" earlier when they start with energy saving, cool season Calamagrostis xacutiflora varieties from Emerald Coast Growers – your easy choice!
