PlantFiles: Striped Giant Reed
Arundo donax 'Variegata'

Despite the introduction of Arundo donax 'Peppermint Stick' and other improved forms of Giant Reed, I still like my 'Variegata'. Its change in color from very bright white margins in the spring to a yellowish-green during the summer and fall months adds much more emphasis to this plant over the others. It is never the same each month. I will be the first to admit to you that this grass gets to be HUGE in proportion. However, if properly sited, 'Variegata' and other similar cultivars of Arundo grass are some of the most exotic and ornamental grasses avaliable to the home gardener. It adds great architecture and vertical form to the garden, while being at the top of the list of the most tropical grasses one can have for added drama. Due to its huge potential size, it needs room for its massive clumping-forming spread. Despite its tendency to grow in girth, it is nothing compared to running bamboo--not even close. 'Variegata' is very versatile, resenting only the most arid and dry of conditions and wet, shady sites. I not sure if it grows in standing water or not, but it loves to be on the sunny, wet side. There is no need to worry if you don't own low-lying land or a bog, however, as my 'Variegata' grows very well under typical garden conditions. This grass is not for small gardens, but it has definitely earned its place as king of exotic temperate-world grasses.

Started with a three inch high plug with a couple of sprigs of growth. It is now about six feet high and two feet around. I keep it in a dry area because I can see it would love to spread everywhere.

One of the showiest plants in the spring garden. It freezes back to the ground here in zone 5b but comes back in the spring from the ground. Thought I had lost it with the late April freeze in 2007, but no it went to the ground and bounced right back.

Although it is invasive in creek beds etc. It in not invasive where I live. I have a 20 year old grove of it. Great for privacy and wind blockage. I use cut stalks for garden poles and animal feed.

Seems to be 2 versions available? Plain A. donax 'variegata' with white stripes and A. donax 'versicolor' with cream stripes as well as the normal green. My garden centre has all 3 on sale. Grows best here (zone 9a, South coast UK) in wet, but tolerates dry soil well.

Also known as 'Versicolor'.

I just love this plant. They start out striped...but as the season moves on, they loose the white stripe, and turn dusty green. I never cut mine back, because the brown stalks get leaves again the next year.
I don't have a problem with it taking over, because I mow weekly around the area I have it growing.

My plant starts out with a good deal of white striping, but as summer progresses, I see a lot more yellow and less white in the leaves. Dies to the ground each winter, so it is not invasive here in zone 6. Appreciates watering but is drought tolerant, nonetheless. No insect problems so far. Mine is in partial shade, which causes the stems to lean and stretch, so I think full sun would be better.

Where I live, it dies back to the root every year and does not spread much.

This is common to everywhere I've ever lived. It was growing wild in Tennessee, Georgia, and Texas. It looks like a huge corn stalk (10' or higher) and partially resembles bamboo. It puts out a corn-like tassle on the top.

It is extremely invasive, apparantly, taking over creeks and riversides.

LEAVES: Leaf blades are 1" to 2" wide and can be as long as 3' to 4'. Leaves are smooth, blue-green, alternate on the stem, and arching. The stems are 1 1/4" in diameter. The leaves resemble those of a corn plant.

FLOWERS: The inflorescence is a many-branched panicle, up to 24" long, usually erect, which is at first a reddish brown, turning to white at maturity. Blooms in late fall. In climates with early frost, it will not bloom.

Best used as a specimen or accent plant. Stems should be cut back in early January.

Native to southern Europe