About
Arundo donax is a perennial plant with a rhizomatous growth habit, producing expansive clumps of tall, bamboo-like stems that can reach heights of up to 5 meters. Its leaves are elongated and strap-like, showcasing a blue-green hue. At the top of the stems, it bears large, purplish flower clusters that emerge in terminal panicles.
About the genus
Arundo is a genus comprising tall, sturdy, evergreen perennials that resemble grasses, with some species displaying a reed-like structure. These plants are indigenous to southern Europe, North Africa, and temperate regions of Asia.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Poorly-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
- Plant type
- Grass Like
- Habit
- Tufted
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 4-8 metres
- Spread
- 1-1.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Native to
- Mediterranean
Care notes
- Cultivation
- This plant is listed on Schedule 9 of the UK Wildlife & Countryside Act (Northern Ireland) as an invasive non-native species. Although not banned from sale, it is an offence to plant or cause these to grow in the wild IN NORTHERN IRELAND. Gardeners possessing them should undertake measures to control them. See RHS advice on invasive non-native species for further information
- Propagation
- Please see cultivation notes
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free