Arundo donax
giant reed
A deciduous rhizomatous perennial, forming spreading clumps of bamboo-like stems to 5m, with arching, strap-shaped blue-green leaves and large terminal purplish flower panicles
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Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Blue Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Blue Green | |||
Autumn | Purple | Blue Green | ||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Poaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Tufted
- Genus
Arundo are a genus of tall, robust, evergreen grass-like perennials, some reed-like in appearance, which are native to southern Europe, North Africa and temperate Asia
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Mediterranean
How to grow
Cultivation
Easy to grow in any soil but prefers moist situations. To encourage flowering cut back stems after their second year. This plant is listed on Schedule 9 of The Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order (1985), as amended, as an invasive non-native species. While this does not prevent it from being sold or being grown in gardens in Northern Ireland, the RHS encourages those that do grow it to take great care with managing it and with disposing of unwanted material. The RHS also encourages gardeners in Northern Ireland to find alternative plants to grow to those listed on Schedule 9. For suggested alternative plants see the Plantlife/RHS guide, Gardening without harmful invasive plants
Propagation
Propagate by seed, sown in containers in a cold frame in spring or by division in early summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Architectural
- Wildflower meadow
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Leaves can be cut off when they die back in late autumn
Pests
Generally pest free
Diseases
Generally disease free
Get involved
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