Photo of Arundo donax 'Golden Chain' foliage by Far Reaches Farm

Photo by Far Reaches Farm

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Arundo donax 'Golden Chain'

Also Known As

  • Golden Chain Giant Reed Grass

Plant type

perennial, grass / grass like

size

  • H: 6'-8'
  • W: 4'-5'

planting zones

  • 7a-11

More Options

Arundo donax 'Golden Chain' plant details

Arundo donax 'Golden Chain' is a deciduous perennial grass (or grassy in appearance) with gold, green and variegated foliage. In fall tan flowers emerge. Features grassy texture. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and even moisture - regular water. Does well in average, 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 'Golden Chain'

Plant type: perennial grass (or grassy in appearance)
Plant family: poaceae
Foliage: deciduous gold, green and variegated
Mature size: 4 FT - 5 FT - wide, 6 FT - 8 FT - tall
Flowers: tan blooms in fall
Uses: clumping, hedge, screen, showy, tropical-looking

GROWING CONDITIONS for Arundo donax 'Golden Chain'

USDA Zones: 7a - 11
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: deer and rabbit, heat, humidity and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Where a bamboo won’t do, these clumping 6-7’ tall stems are smaller and slower growing the species, making this a fine vertical statement in the garden! Leaves are outlined in a soft buttery gold and don’t bleach or fade as summer progresses. Sun to part shade, average garden soil, summer moisture. Easy and commanding! Deer proof.
'Golden Chain' is a gold variegated form of the giant reed that is brighter in colour and smaller in habitat than the form 'Variegata'. It provides a gorgeous mid or back of the border exclamation point which would look fantastic combined with rich greens and burgundy foliage. Showy copper flowering panicles occur in warm climates but are unlikely in coastal BC. Plant in full to part sun in average to moist soils. Deer resistant.
This is a nice sport of Arundo donax 'Versicolor' from the UK and differs in the medium green leaves prominently edged in yellow couple with a smaller size topping out at 7 feet. This gives you a rather manageable yet striking bamboo look with tawny silver plumes in late summer.

Gardening facts about Arundo donax 'Golden Chain' plant

How to Grow Arundo donax 'Golden Chain'

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly sun
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - regular
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
    • rich
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant
    • humidity tolerant
    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • variegated
    • gold
    • green
  • Flower Color

    • tan
  • Wildlife

    • deer resistant
    • rabbit resistant
  • Flower Season

    • fall
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
  • Texture

    • grassy
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