Giant Reed Arundo donax 'Macrophylla'

Water

The Giant Reed should be watered thoroughly, ensuring that the soil is kept consistently moist, but not waterlogged. It prefers ample water, so depending on the climate, watering may be necessary weekly. During the growing season, in hot and dry periods, watering may increase to two or three times a week. Each watering session should provide enough water to penetrate the soil deeply—approximately one to two gallons per plant. In cooler months or during rainfall, reduce the frequency to prevent overwatering.

Light

The Giant Reed thrives in full sunlight, so plant it in an area where it will receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. It can tolerate some partial shade but will achieve its best growth and form in a full sun exposure spot. Avoid deeply shaded areas to ensure the plant's vitality and health.

Temperature

The Giant Reed is hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures but grows best in environments between 68°F to 86°F. It can survive minimal exposure to temperatures as low as 20°F and can endure highs up to around 100°F, making it adaptable to many climates. However, consistently maintaining the ideal temperature range will ensure optimal growth.

Pruning

Pruning the Giant Reed should be done to remove any dead or damaged stalks and to control its size, as it can become quite large and invasive. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Pruning can be done annually, cutting back the canes to the desired height to encourage fresh, vigorous shoots.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mixture for Giant Reed (Arundo donax 'Macrophylla') should be rich in organic matter and well-draining. A mix containing loam, compost, and a small amount of sand is ideal to facilitate good drainage and provide nutrients. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.5 for optimal growth.

Repotting

Giant Reed (Arundo donax 'Macrophylla') doesn't often require repotting as it is usually grown in the ground given its size. If grown in containers, repotting should be done every 2-3 years or when the plant has outgrown its current pot, showing roots through the drainage holes.

Humidity & Misting

Giant Reed (Arundo donax 'Macrophylla') is adaptable to a range of humidity levels but prefers a moderate to high humidity environment. Although it tolerates average outdoor humidity, it thrives when there is some moisture in the air, so no specific humidity level is required.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Giant Reed in bright, indirect light indoors with ample space.

• Outdoor

  Plant Giant Reed in full sun to partial shade with moist soil.

• Hardiness zone

  7-11 USDA

Life cycle

Arundo donax 'Macrophylla,' commonly known as Giant Reed, begins its life cycle as a rhizome fragment or a small clump of rhizomes planted in soil. Once established, the rhizomes sprout shoots that grow rapidly into tall canes with broad leaves, thriving in warm seasons and often reaching heights of over 20 feet in favorable conditions. In its perennial growth cycle, the above-ground biomass dies back in the winter, with the rhizomes surviving underground to resprout the following spring. Although flowering is rare in cultivation, if the plant does flower, it produces a large, feathery plume late in the summer or fall, which can disseminate seeds if fertilization occurs. However, reproduction is primarily vegetative, with new clumps forming from rhizome pieces that break off and establish new plants. The Giant Reed can live for several years, forming dense stands through its vigorous growth and rhizomatous spread before any intervention or natural decline occurs.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Summer

• Propogation: Arundo donax 'Macrophylla', commonly known as Giant Reed, is typically propagated using division, which is the most popular method. This process is ideally done in late winter to early spring, just before the plant resumes active growth. To propagate by division, one would start by digging up a mature clump of Giant Reed and gently separating the rhizomes, ensuring that each division has at least one bud or node. The divisions are then planted in a mix of moist soil and sand to encourage root development. These should be placed at a depth where the top of the rhizome is about an inch (approximately 2.5 cm) below the soil surface. Adequate watering is crucial to help establish the new plants. Once new growth appears, indicating that the division has taken root, regular care can resume.