
Light Needs

Mature Height

Mature Spread

Growing Zones
The unique draw that sets this feather reed grass apart from others is its variegated foliage. The leaves are deep green with a band of white running down the middle. Avalanche has the same narrow, upright form as other feather reed grasses, lending a striking and dramatic interest to the landscape. Feathery plumes top the stalks in summer. They appear first as an airy light purple before aging to a golden tan and persisting into the winter.
Deer-and rabbit-resistant, the Avalanche feather reed grass fits well into mediterranean and rustic garden styles. It has a fast growth rate, so is an excellent way to quickly fill in narrow spaces in the landscape. It works well as a border or backdrop for colorful perennials or annuals but also offers enough interest on its own to be a specimen plant. The flower plumes are also a top grass choice for fresh and dried flower arrangements.
Avalanche Feather Reed Grass Care
Grow the Avalanche feather reed grass in full sun for the most dramatic appearance. It has drought tolerance but prefers moderate moisture. The ideal soil for this grass is average and medium to wet and it can grow well in heavy clay soils. Water the plant deeply during its first season and whenever the top two inches of soil are dry. An annual application of all-purpose fertilizer encourages vigor.
Like many other ornamental grasses, the Avalanche has few pruning requirements. Simply cut back old stems to within a few inches of the ground in early spring just as new growth begins to emerge from the plant base.
Avalanche Feather Reed Grass Spacing
This fast-growing grass is tall and narrow, with foliage reaching a height of about four feet but flower plumes attaining a maximum height closer to six feet. Clumps are only one to two feet wide. As a border, plant individuals every two feet or so. Give them more space if you want them to stand out as a specimen or in a mixed planting.
Avalanche Feather Reed Grass Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 - 8 |
Plant Type: |
Light Exposure: Full Sun (At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight) |
Mature Height: 4 - 5 Inches |
Mature Spread: 18 - 24 Inches |
Spacing: 18 - 24 Inches |
Habit: Upright |
Flower Color(s): Green |
Flower Description: |
Bloom Period: Mid-July |
Foliage Type: Herbaceous, Variegated |
Foliage Color(s): Green, White |
Foliage Description: |
Seasonal Interest: Summer Flowering |
Watering: Average |
Resists: Deer, Rabbit |
Tolerates: Drought |
Attracts: Birds |
Container Role: |
Uses: Borders, Containers, Erosion Control, Mass Planting, Specimen or Focal Point, Wildlife Gardens |
Features: Attracts Pollinators, Cut Flowers, Foliage Interest, Low Maintenance |
Brand: |
Common Name: Avalanche Feather Reed Grass |
Other Name(s): |
Scientific Name: CALAMAGROSTIS ACUT. `AVALANCHE` |
- SKU:
- 1231003099-pc
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.

Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts

Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts

Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts

Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons

Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons

Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons

We stand behind our plants with industry-leading guarantees to give you peace of mind.
We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
All bushes, perennials & trees come with an extended 1-year warranty for added confidence. If your plant dies due to a health issue within a year, we’ll make it right.

Pre-ordered plants are scheduled to ship in Spring 2025. We carefully plan our shipping dates based on your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone to ensure optimal planting conditions upon arrival. Want it sooner/later? Reach out, and we'll try our best to accommodate.
Estimated ship week for pre-ordered plants will ship based on growing zones as shown below.
Growing Zone | Estimated Ship Week |
---|---|
Zone 10 | March 24th |
Zone 9 | March 31st |
Zone 8 | April 7th |
Zone 7 | April 14th |
Zone 6b | April 21st |
Zone 6a | April 28th |
Zone 5b | May 5th |
Zone 5a | May 12th |
Zone 4 | May 19th |
Zone 3 | May 26th |
Note: These are only estimated ship dates. Plants may ship out later depending on weather & growing conditions of the plant.
Note: Only plants indicated as pre-order will ship as shown above. All other plants and hard goods will ship as normal.
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.