Arundo donax – Giant Reed –

Description

Arundo donax – Giant Reed – This clump forming rhizomatous perennial from the Mediterranean grows to 20’ feet tall and spreads to 5’ feet or much more wider. It produces thick stems and arching, broadly linear mid green leaves that’s bluish green underneath up to 24” long and 2 ½” wide. In mid and late autumn it bears terminal panicles of light green to purple spikelets to 24” long. Zones 6-9 Arundo – Giant Reed There are 2 or 3 species of evergreen rhizomatous perennial grasses, in this genus. They occur from riversides and ditches in warm temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. They produce alternate, broadly linear, flat leaves that droop at the tips held on thick, bamboo or reed like stems. It bears terminal feathery flower panicles. The reeds are used in musical instruments such as organs and clarinets. When grown indoors plant in any soil, but thrives in moist soilless potting mix in full light. When grown outdoors grow in any soil but thrives in moist conditions that doesn’t dry out, in full sun or light shade with protection from strong winds. Will tolerate waterlogged soil. For best foliage cut back foliage in winter to the ground. Divide in mid spring. Prone to rust.