Overview
Phragmites australis is a grass in the genus Phragmites, part of the Poaceae family. It typically grows around 3.6 m tall. Phragmites australis grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include wetland restoration, erosion control and habitat creation. It is native to Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and North America.
About the genus
Phragmites is a genus of four species of large perennial reed grasses found in wetlands throughout temperate and tropical regions of the world.
Wikipedia contributors, "Phragmites", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Phragmites
In the garden
Phragmites australis, the common reed, is a robust grass native to Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and North America. It reaches about 3.6 m and flowers from July to September. The species is adapted to wet ground and is regularly used where persistent moisture or shallow standing water are features of the site. Give it full sun and soils that are sandy, loamy or clay, provided they remain moist or wet; it will also tolerate sites described as moist but well-drained. In UK terms its H7 rating means it is fully hardy and will survive winter cold in virtually all garden locations. For those using US zone guidance, the plant occupies USDA zones 4–10. Use Phragmites australis for wetland restoration, erosion control and habitat creation where a tall reed is required. Allow space for its mature height when placing it at margins of ponds or in designed wetland features. Planting in a location with consistent moisture and unrestricted sunlight encourages flowering in the July to September window and supports its role in water-edge planting schemes.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Phragmites
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Wet
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Phragmites australis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Grass
- Height
- 3.6 m
- Suggested uses
- wetland restoration, erosion control, habitat creation
- Native to
- Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, North America
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Phragmites australis
- Cultivation
- Prefers wet soils, often found in marshes and along water bodies; tolerant of flooding
- Pruning
- Cut back in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth
- Propagation
- By rhizome division or seed
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Phragmites australis?
Prefers wet soils, often found in marshes and along water bodies; tolerant of flooding.
Where is the best place to plant Phragmites australis?
Phragmites australis prefers full sun.
What soil does Phragmites australis need?
Phragmites australis is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to wet.
How do I prune Phragmites australis?
Cut back in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth.
How big does Phragmites australis grow?
Phragmites australis reaches a height of 3.6 m.
Is Phragmites australis hardy in the UK?
Phragmites australis has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Phragmites australis?
By rhizome division or seed.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
