This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.

• Position: full sun
• Soil: moist, humus-rich soil
• Rate of growth: slow-growing
• Flowering period: June to August
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  A tall, dramatic grass with an upright, architectural habit, this will stand to attention in a perennial border, or can be planted en masse as a screen. Fine leaves initially have yellow margins, which fade to white as the flowers emerge. Both the leaves and flowers turn a wonderful wheat colour in late autumn and should be left to add winter interest in the garden.
  
  
• Garden care: Although they can be planted in light shade, the flowers of Calamagrostis cultivars tend to fall over without sun. Cut ‘Overdam’ down to the ground in late winter, before the new shoots start appearing.