Variegated Giant Reed, Arundo donax variegata
Sun/Partial Sun, Warm-Season
As one of the tallest ornamental grasses, Variegated Giant Reed makes quite a statement. Often used alone as a specimen planting, it can also function as a screen or wind break when planted en masse. It keeps its form for winter interest, though it can get damaged from wind or snow. It is tolerant of wet soil, yet also does quite well in low water conditions. Giant Reed has a rhizomatous growth habit, so it does spread, but not very rapidly in Kansas. Its woody stems and roots can be very difficult to divide or remove.
The plants took off in the second year of the trial and grew to be very tall and broad. The variegation was very distinct in spring, but as the season progressed it stayed on the growing tips only and progressed from white to yellow. So most of the plant is a solid green color by late season.
| Advertised Height | Advertised Zone |
|---|---|
168”(14’) | 6 |
| Year | Height/Width |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | 60”/20” |
| Year 2 | 156”/45” |
| Date | Pictures |
|---|---|
| Sept 2007 | |
| November 2007 |  |
| September 2008 |  |
| Close-up - September 2008 |  |
| October 2008 |  |
| September 2009 | |
| Close-up ~ Sept. 2009 |  |
| January 2010 | |
