Grass
Arundo donax var. versicolor
Variegated giant reed
Also known as: Arundo donax 'Variegata'
A tall, statuesque grass with broad cane-like stems and boldly cream-and-green striped leaves.
- Full sun, Partial shade
- 2–3.5 m (7–11 ft)
- 1–1.5 m (3–5 ft)
- H3 · Zone 7
- September–October
- Deciduous
Overview
A striking variegated form of the giant reed, producing thick, bamboo-like canes clothed in broad, arching leaves crisply striped cream and green. It is less vigorous and slightly less hardy than the plain green species, dying back to a woody rootstock in cold winters and reshooting from the base in late spring. Best in a warm, sheltered spot with a deep winter mulch in most of the UK.
At a Glance
Growing Conditions
Aspect Suitability
- South-facing
- West-facing
Site Tolerance
- Exposed sites
- Wind
- Coastal
- Wet soil
Soil Tolerance
- Clay
- Loam
- Neutral pH
Foliage
- Variegated
- Architectural foliage
Foliage interest: May–October
Seasonal Timeline
- Flowering Sep Oct
- Foliage May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct
- Propagate Apr May
Maintenance Calendar
- Mar Cut down old canes before new shoots appear
- Apr Mulch the crown to protect against late frost
- Jun Water well while canes are actively growing
- Sep Enjoy the plumes and variegated foliage
- Nov Mulch thickly over the crown for winter
Garden Design
Works well in: Coastal, Contemporary, Mediterranean, Pondside, Tropical, Tropical / Exotic
Use as a dramatic vertical accent or screen in a sheltered, sunny border or beside a pond; mulch deeply over winter in colder gardens.
Companion planting: Cannas, Bamboos, Bold-leaved perennials
Wildlife Value
- Shelter
Safety
No well-established toxicity; leaf edges can be slightly sharp to handle.