Arundo donax

Plant Family

Poaceae

Plant Botanical Name

Arundo donax

Photo by: GERALD L. KLINGAMAN

Plant Common Name

Giant Reed

General Description

Giant reed is a large, evergreen or deciduous, perennial grass with thick, hollow, cane-like stems and long, arching, green to gray-green leaves. In late summer it produces feathery plumes of light green to purplish flowers that mature to silver. Originally from southern Europe, giant reed has been widely planted and become naturalized in temperate and sub-tropical regions worldwide. It spreads by underground rhizomes and is potentially invasive in tropical and subtropical regions where it may also spread by seed.

Although it tolerates most conditions including alkaline soil and seaside exposures, this sun-loving plant achieves its greatest height and vigor near fresh water. Use it as an architectural accent or screen. It can also be grown in containers or under cover.

Characteristics

• AHS Heat Zone

  12 - 1

• USDA Hardiness Zone

  6 - 10

• Sunset Zone

  3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

• Plant Type

  Grass

• Sun Exposure

  Full Sun

• Height

  6'-30' / 1.8m - 9.1m

• Width

  5'-10' / 1.5m - 3.0m

• Bloom Time

  Late Summer, Early Fall, Fall, Late Fall

• Native To

  Southern Europe

Growing Conditions

• Soil pH

  Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline

• Soil Drainage

  Average

• Soil type

  Clay, Loam, Sand

• Tolerances

  Wet Site, Drought, Salt

• Growth Rate

  Very Fast

• Water Requirements

  Average Water

• Habit

  Upright/Erect

• Seasonal Interest

  Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

• Flower Interest

  Showy

• Flower Color

  Purple, Light Green, Silver

• Fruit Color

  Silver

• Foliage Color (Spring)

  Green, Gray Green

• Foliage Color (Summer)

  Green, Gray Green

• Foliage Color (Fall)

  Green, Gray Green

• Foliage Color (Winter)

  Green, Gray Green

• Fragrant Flowers

  No

• Fragrant Fruit

  No

• Fragrant Foliage

  No

• Bark or Stem Fragrant

  No

• Flower Petal Number

  Single

• Repeat Bloomer

  No

• Showy Fruit

  No

• Edible Fruit

  No

• Showy Foliage

  Yes

• Foliage Texture

  Bold

• Foliage Sheen

  Matte

• Evergreen

  Yes

• Showy Bark

  No

Special Characteristics

• Usage

  Container, Cutflower, Dried Flower/Everlasting, Feature Plant, Mixed Border, Screening / Wind Break, Tropical, Water Gardens

• Sharp or Has Thorns

  Yes

• Invasive

  Sometimes

• Self-Sowing

  Yes