Giant Reed

Giant Reed  (Arundo)

Giant Reed (Arundo) is a bamboo-like grass. They are large plants with tall stems and large leaves. Giant Reed needs a lot of space and best restrict its spreading rhizomes. They like a well-draining soil which doesn't dry out. For thousands of years Giant Reed has been used to make walking sticks, fishing rods and flutes. Even now, Giant Reed is still used in certain wind-instruments. Give the plant some extra protection during the first couple of winters. After that it will be fine. In spring, cut last year's foliage back. A good companion plant for Giant Reed is Hemp Agrimony (Eupatorium). The variegated Giant Reeds will stay somewhat smaller but are also less hardy.