Glyceria maxima
reed sweet grass
A strong-growing, aquatic, rhizomatous perennial grass up to 1m tall, capable of spreading almost indefinitely. The narrow, strap-shaped leaves are dark green, tinged pink in spring; purplish-green flowering panicles are produced in late summer
Synonyms
Glyceria aquatica
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Pink Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Purple | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Poaceae
- Native to the UK
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Suckering
- Genus
Glyceria are vigorous, spreading, moisture-loving or aquatic, rhizomatous perennial grasses, with narrowly strap-shaped leaves and green or purple-tinged flowering panicles in late summer
- Name status
Unresolved
- Plant range
- Europe to China (Xinjiang)
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in any reliably moist, fertile soil or in water up to 15cm deep, in full sun. Divide every few years to prevent congestion, has potential to become a nuisance if not managed well. See pond plants and bog gardens for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by division in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildlife gardens
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
Leaves can be cut back when they die off in late autumn
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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