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Photo by J.G. in SF

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Arundo donax 'Variegata'

Also Known As

Arundo donax 'Versicolor'
Arundo donax variegata
Striped Giant Reed
Variegated Giant Reed Grass

Plant type

perennial, grass / grass like

size

H: 12'-15'
W: 8'-10'

planting zones

6a-10b

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Arundo donax 'Variegata' plant details

Arundo donax 'Variegata' is a fast-growing deciduous perennial grass (or grassy in appearance) with green, variegated and white foliage. In fall and summer cream, pink, silver and tan flowers emerge. Features grassy texture. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and standing water - low water. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in alkaline, average, clay, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant, humidity tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Arundo donax 'Variegata'

Plant type: perennial grass (or grassy in appearance)
Plant family: poaceae
Foliage: deciduous green, variegated and white
Mature size: 8 FT - 10 FT - wide, 12 FT - 15 FT - tall
Flowers: cream, pink, silver and tan blooms in fall and summer
Uses: clumping, screen, tropical-looking

GROWING CONDITIONS for Arundo donax 'Variegata'

USDA Zones: 6a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: standing water - low
Resistant to: deer and rabbit, heat, humidity and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: alkaline, average, clay, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

This variegated form of the giant reed, Arundo donax, is gorgeous at the back of the border. Try 'Versicolor' in a white garden for height and drama. Plant in full sun in average to moist soils. Proving hardier than what many reference books suggest.

By: Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

At last we have a good supply of chunky divisions of this big bold and beautiful grass. Growing 8-10' tall, with white edged foliage, this grass adds a sense of drama to mixed border plantings. Arundo donax does well in part or full sun in well drained soil. Shipping beefy quart pots.

By: Avant Gardens

This is a grass and a half, in its native haunts in Southern Europe it can reach 6 meters in height here it doesn't get quite that big especially in its variegated forms but still achieves a bamboo like stature. ZONE 6

By: Arrowhead Alpines

Arundo donax variegata is a tall grass with wide leaves often 2 to 3 inches wide. It is often considered a great substitute for bamboo. Once mature plants can reach 10 to 15 feet with a large showy bloom at the end of summer usually held several feet above the foliage. This form emerges almost totally white in spring and as summer progresses becomes more lime green to yellow and fades to a light green by very late summer. Plants can grow in soil to bog situations and will form a large clump with age. A great addition for people wanting a tropical look in cooler climates. Plants can handle zone 5 and higher.

By: Brian's Botanicals

A stunning fountain of bold green and white leaves are arresting from afar but also possess details that merit closer scrutiny. It promises that your garden will not be dull. Bambooesque in impression and exhilarating in full moonlight. 8 feet tall, and slowly spreading.

By: Dancing Oaks Nursery

Big, bold and bodacious…this bomba looks like bamboo (but isn't). A commanding 12-15' tall and clumping (NOT running) to 8-10' wide ensures that this is no shrinking violet…seriously though, with its cream variegated leaves, this is a beautiful plant at pond's edge, as a specimen for a tropical touch, or to screen off the nudist that lives next door (dies back in cold winters, but too cold to run naked!). Needs sun or light shade, any soil dry or wet, deer resistant, easy. Not invasive like it's green kin!

By: Secret Garden Growers

Garden photo gallery of Arundo donax 'Variegata'

Photo of Arundo donax 'Variegata' foliage by J.G. in SF

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By: J.G. in SF

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Photo of Arundo donax 'Variegata' foliage by Dancing Oaks Nursery

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By: Dancing Oaks Nursery

By: Karl Gercens III

By: Karl Gercens III

By: Intrinsic Perennial Gardens

Photo of Arundo donax 'Variegata' landscape by Karl Gercens III

By: Karl Gercens III

By: Karl Gercens III

By: Karl Gercens III

By: Karl Gercens III

By: Karl Gercens III

By: Karl Gercens III

By: Karl Gercens III

Gardening facts about Arundo donax 'Variegata' plant

How to Grow Arundo donax 'Variegata'

Sun Exposure
- sun - mostly sun
Water Needs
- standing water - low
Soil Needs
- clay
- alkaline
- adaptable
- average
- well-drained
- rich
Special Situation
- heat tolerant
- humidity tolerant
- verticillium wilt resistant