Photo of Arundo donax foliage by Kristine Paulus

Photo by Kristine Paulus

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Arundo donax

Also Known As

  • Giant Reed Grass

Plant type

perennial, grass / grass like

size

  • H: 10'-30'
  • W: 2'-30'

planting zones

  • 7a-10b

Arundo donax plant details

Arundo donax is a deciduous perennial grass (or grassy in appearance) with green foliage. In fall tan flowers emerge. Features grassy texture. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and even moisture - regular water. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in alkaline, average, clay, rocky and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant, humidity tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Arundo donax

Plant type: perennial grass (or grassy in appearance)
Plant family: poaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 2 FT - 30 FT - wide, 10 FT - 30 FT - tall
Flowers: tan blooms in fall
Uses: clumping, hedge, screen, tropical-looking

GROWING CONDITIONS for Arundo donax

USDA Zones: 7a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: deer and rabbit, heat, humidity and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: alkaline, average, clay, rocky and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

This giant grass from the Mediterranean region creates quite an impression with its size and drama. Cultivated for thousands of years in its native region as well as the Middle East and Asia, giant reed is the source of the reeds for musical instruments such as organs and clarinets. Plant in full sun in average to moist soils. Proving hardier than what many reference books suggest.

Gardening facts about Arundo donax plant

How to Grow Arundo donax

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly sun
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - regular
  • Soil Needs

    • clay
    • alkaline
    • adaptable
    • average
    • well-drained
    • rocky
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant
    • humidity tolerant
    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • tan
  • Wildlife

    • deer resistant
    • rabbit resistant
  • Flower Season

    • fall
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
  • Texture

    • grassy

See other plant types of Arundo for your garden

aka Peppermint Stick Giant Reed Grass

Plant Type

Perennial, Grass / Grass Like

Zones

6a-10b

Size

Height: 8'-12'

Width: 5'-8'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Arundo donax 'Peppermint Stick' foliage by Far Reaches Farm
View Plant

More Options

aka Golden Chain Giant Reed Grass

Plant Type

Perennial, Grass / Grass Like

Zones

7a-11

Size

Height: 6'-8'

Width: 4'-5'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Arundo donax 'Golden Chain' foliage by Far Reaches Farm
View Plant

More Options

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

Plant Type

Perennial, Grass / Grass Like

Zones

6a-10b

Size

Height: 12'-15'

Width: 8'-10'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • standing water - low
Photo of Arundo donax 'Variegata' foliage by J.G. in SF
View Plant

More Options

aka Arundo selloana 'Silver Comet', Cortaderia argentea 'Silver Comet', Silver Comet Pampas Grass

Plant Type

Grass / Grass Like

Zones

8a-10b

Size

Height: 6'

Width: 4'-6'

  • sun
  • regular - drought tolerant
  • dry in summer
Photo of Cortaderia selloana 'Silver Comet' landscape by Karl Gercens III
View Plant

aka Arundo selloana, Pampas Grass

Plant Type

Perennial, Grass / Grass Like

Zones

7a-10b

Size

Height: 6'-15'

Width: 4'-5'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • low
  • dry in summer
Photo of Cortaderia selloana flower, form by Daryll's Nursery
View Plant

More Options

+2 more Arundo
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