Phragmites australis subsp. australis 'Variegatus' (v)

RHS Plant Profile

reed 'Variegatus'

RHS

Synonyms

Phragmites communis 'Variegatus'

Aquatic Herbaceous Perennial Bogs

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A rapidly-spreading deciduous grass that will form an extensive colony of erect, leafy stems to 2m. Drooping, linear leaves with yellow variegation turn light brown in autumn, and terminal dark purple flowering panicles are borne from late summer

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 5–10 years
Max Spread: 2.5-4 metres
Max Height: 1.5-2.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand

Moisture: Moist but well–drained or Poorly–drained
pH: Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun

Aspect: South–facing or West–facing
Exposure: Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H7

Colour & Scent

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Poaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: No
Foliage: Deciduous
Habit: Columnar upright
Genus: Phragmites are vigorous rhizomatous perennial grasses with linear leaves and large feathery purple panicles of flowers in late summer
Name Status: Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Unlike the green-leaved forms, this particular cultivar of reed is suited not only to wetlands, but may also be grown in moisture retentive sites where it is less vigorous, though still has the potential to become a nuisance if not managed well. Suitable for bog gardens

Propagation

Divide in early spring or summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Wildlife gardens
Wildflower meadow

Pruning

Cut back in autumn or winter

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free