Glyceria maxima

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reed sweet grass

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reed sweet grass RHS

Other common names

leed, meadow reed grass, reed meadow grass, perwellt

Synonyms

Glyceria aquatica

Aquatic Grass Like Bogs
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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

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Poorly–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or 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)
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Poaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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 the potential to become a nuisance if not managed well. See aquatic weeds, 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