Arundo donax ‘Variegata’
To locate images associated with this article please visit our
image collection at Country, Farm and Garden Photo Library
Large reeds and rushes are imposing plants that greatly enhance the appearance of ponds and waterways. They’re also historically significant for their religious connections (the story of Moses), their use in musical instruments, for building (thatch) and as early sources of light when dipped in tallow and burnt.
Few however, are attractive as individual plants. It’s reeds en-masse that create the effect; all those swaying stems, bulrush heads and the dense foliage growth. They’re also difficult to cultivate because of their space demands and their need to grow in very damp soil or shallow water.
One of the most striking reeds is an exception to all those drawbacks and is a great plant for adding height to a perennial border without too much bulk. In its plain green form, the giant reed (Arundo donax) is nothing to get excited about, but its two variegated foliage forms, ‘Variegata’ and ‘Variegata Superba’, are indeed superb.
While many gardeners dislike variegated foliage, there’s no denying that the stark white variegations of these two cultivars make the giant reed come to life. The two are very similar to one another. Both grow to around 3 m tall and have deep green leaves with broad white stripes and edges. ‘Variegata Superba’ however, has slightly smaller leaves than the 40–60 cm long leaves of ‘Variegata’ and is more densely foliaged.
A native of the Mediterranean region, the giant reed is unusual in that while it will grow in the typical reed environment — damp soil at the water’s edge — it also thrives under normal garden conditions. Regular deep watering and a rich soil with plenty of humus-rich compost will promote strong growth and lush foliage.
Unlike the large bamboos, which often look similar and have similar uses, the reed is not invasive and is easily controlled and propagated by simply breaking up the root clump in late winter. Remove or replant as much or as little as you need.
The first hard frosts of winter will brown off the foliage and the clump will die back over winter. Although giant reed is very hardy, it’s a good idea to leave the dried foliage on the plant over winter as extra insulation for the roots. Give it a tidy up in late winter or early spring. Gardeners in frost-free areas my find it virtually evergreen, in which case any trimming and thinning is best done in winter. In order to maintain the variegation, cut out any stems on which the foliage reverts to green.
For all its ease of growth and ready adaptability to cultivation, Arundo donax is not common. Most gardeners are impressed by it when they see it, so its lack of popularity is hard to understand. It may be something to do with the fact that it looks like a bamboo, raising the prospect of invasiveness. Or perhaps it’s because it’s hard to believe that a reed will grow anywhere other than in boggy soil.
Whatever the reason, there’s no excuse for ignoring a terrific plant that is reliable, no trouble to grow but well worth the trouble to find.
Copyright Geoff Bryant
|
