Giant Reed, Arundo Reed

Arundo Donax

Design with this plant

Overview

Arundo donax, commonly called Giant Reed, is a fast-growing perennial reaching up to 20 feet in height. It forms dense stands with cane-like stems of 0.75 to 1 inch in diameter, featuring lush, lanceolate leaves up to 24 inches long. Suitable for zones 6-10, this reed thrives in full sun and moist soil, often used for screening and erosion control. Note its invasive potential and consider responsible management practices.

Sun Full, HalfWater High, MediumZones 6–10Climate Arid, Mediterranean

Giant Reed, Arundo Reed (Arundo Donax) — Arundo donax, commonly called Giant Reed, is a fast-growing perennial reaching up to 20 feet in height

Giant Reed, Arundo Reed (Arundo Donax) — Arundo donax, commonly called Giant Reed, is a fast-growing perennial reaching up to 20 feet in height

Giant Reed, Arundo Reed (Arundo Donax) — lanceolate leaves up to 24 inches long

Giant Reed, Arundo Reed (Arundo Donax) — this reed thrives in full sun and moist soil

Giant Reed, Arundo Reed (Arundo Donax) — often used for screening and erosion control

Giant Reed, Arundo Reed (Arundo Donax) — Note its invasive potential and consider responsible management practices

Giant Reed, Arundo Reed (Arundo Donax) — The Giant Reed, or Arundo donax, is a robust, perennial grass that commands attention in any landscape design

Culture

Sun: Full, Half
Water: High, Medium
USDA zones: 6–10

Shape & size

Classification

Family: Poaceae
Climate: Arid, Mediterranean

See full data, regional cultivation notes, full-resolution photos, and design tools. Build a client presentation around this plant.

Start your 14-day trial

Photos (77)

Giant Reed, Arundo Reed (Arundo Donax) — It forms dense stands with cane-like stems of 0.75 to 1 inch in diameter

Giant Reed, Arundo Reed (Arundo Donax) — Arundo donax, commonly called Giant Reed, is a fast-growing perennial reaching up to 20 feet in height

Giant Reed, Arundo Reed (Arundo Donax) — lanceolate leaves up to 24 inches long

Giant Reed, Arundo Reed (Arundo Donax) — this reed thrives in full sun and moist soil

Giant Reed, Arundo Reed (Arundo Donax) — often used for screening and erosion control

Giant Reed, Arundo Reed (Arundo Donax) — Note its invasive potential and consider responsible management practices

Giant Reed, Arundo Reed (Arundo Donax) — The Giant Reed, or Arundo donax, is a robust, perennial grass that commands attention in any landscape design

Giant Reed, Arundo Reed (Arundo Donax) — Known for its tall stature, this species can soar impressively to heights between 20 to 30 feet

Giant Reed, Arundo Reed (Arundo Donax) — It's characterized by deep green

Giant Reed, Arundo Reed (Arundo Donax) — lanceolate leaves that can grow up to 2 feet long and about 2 to 3 inches wide

Giant Reed, Arundo Reed (Arundo Donax) — potentially reaching over 1 foot in length

Giant Reed, Arundo Reed (Arundo Donax) — ornamental touch.<br><br>Adaptable to a range of soil types

Giant Reed, Arundo Reed (Arundo Donax) — well-drained loams but maintains a hardy disposition

Giant Reed, Arundo Reed (Arundo Donax) — capable of withstanding brief periods of drought once established

Giant Reed, Arundo Reed (Arundo Donax) — In late summer to early fall

Giant Reed, Arundo Reed (Arundo Donax) — silver-green plumes develop

Giant Reed, Arundo Reed (Arundo Donax) — Full sun exposure is key to achieving its full growth potential

Giant Reed, Arundo Reed (Arundo Donax) — Its rapid growth and vigorous root system enable this species to outcompete local flora

Giant Reed, Arundo Reed (Arundo Donax) — or as a dramatic backdrop for water features

Giant Reed, Arundo Reed (Arundo Donax) — With its towering presence and lush foliage

Giant Reed, Arundo Reed (Arundo Donax) — white flowers in the garden

Giant Reed, Arundo Reed (Arundo Donax) — grass with white blooms

Giant Reed, Arundo Reed (Arundo Donax) — Arundo donax provides a Mediterranean or tropical ambiance

Giant Reed, Arundo Reed (Arundo Donax) — effortlessly becoming a focal point in spacious gardens and larger landscape designs

Related plants

June Grass (Koeleria Macrantha) — June Grass (Koeleria macrantha) is a perennial cool-season bunchgrass featuring fine-textured foliage

June Grass

Koeleria Macrantha

Full · Zones 5–10

Gold Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa Macra 'All Gold') — Hakonechloa macra 'All Gold', or Gold Japanese Forest Grass, is a vibrant, golden-yellow ornamental

Gold Japanese Forest Grass

Hakonechloa Macra 'All Gold'

Half · Zones 5–9

Silver Arrow Miscanthus (Miscanthus Sinensis 'Silberfeder') — is a striking ornamental grass standing up to 7 feet tall and 4 feet wide

Silver Arrow Miscanthus

Miscanthus Sinensis 'Silberfeder'

Full · Zones 5–9

Florida Gamagrass (Tripsacum Floridanum) — commonly known as Florida Gamagrass

Florida Gamagrass

Tripsacum Floridanum

Full · Zones 5–10

'Blue Paradise' Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) — ‘Blue Paradise’ Little Bluestem

'Blue Paradise' Little Bluestem

Schizachyrium scoparium

Full

Boulder Blue Fescue (Festuca 'Boulder Blue') — Boulder Blue Fescue (Festuca 'Boulder Blue') is a striking ornamental grass with vibrant steel-blue foliage

Boulder Blue Fescue

Festuca 'Boulder Blue'

Full · Zones 8–10