Arundo donax

RHS Plant Profile
giant reed
giant reed RHS 2002

Other common names

distaff cane, great reed, reed grass, Spanish cane, vineyard cane, water reed

Grass Like

This plant is listed as an invasive non-native species in Northern Ireland – see Cultivation section for details. A rhizomatous perennial, forming spreading clumps of tall bamboo-like stems up to 5m tall with arching, strap-shaped blue-green leaves. Upright panicles with purplish tints may appear in autumn

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

4-8 metres

Max Spread

1-1.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
1-1.5 metres
Max Height
4-8 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Poorly–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Poaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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

This plant is listed on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985 as an invasive non-native species. It is an offence to plant or cause it to grow in the wild in Northern Ireland. See RHS advice on invasive non-native species for further information

Propagation

See cultivation notes

Pests

See cultivation notes

Diseases

See cultivation notes