Stiped giant reed grass is a clumping grass in the Poaceae family and a cultivar of the invasive giant reed grass. that is native to Asia. This grass will grow 12 to 20 feet tall and spread 5 to 10 feet wide, spreading by rhizomes. The grass prefers full sun in moist well-drained to boggy fertile soil. This cultivar rarely flowers, but if it does it should not be allowed to produce seeds. Prune in early spring before new growth appears. In frost-free areas, it is evergreen. The large sword-shaped leaves start out edged in yellow or cream, but by mid-summer are mostly green. Even though it spreads slower than the parent, it is still considered invasive. See native and less problematic alternatives to the left. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Generally has few problems, can experience leaf blight, brown spot, and sap-sucking insects such as aphids. More information on Arundo donax .
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Similar, less problematicCalamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster'Panicum virgatum 'Cloud Nine'Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal'Panicum virgatum 'Northwind'
Full plant profile
Growing Conditions
Plant type
Herbaceous Perennial; Ornamental Grasses and Sedges; Water Plant
Life cycle
Perennial
USDA zones
7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b
Light
Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day) | Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Soil texture
High Organic Matter
Soil drainage
Frequent Standing Water | Moist
Mature size
Height: 12 ft. 0 in. - 20 ft. 0 in. | Width: 5 ft. 0 in. - 10 ft. 0 in.
Growth rate
Medium
Maintenance
High
Canopy layer
2 - Understory (15-40 ft)
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Arching; Clumping
Leaf color
Green; Variegated; White
Leaf type
Sheath; Simple
Leaf shape
Linear
Leaf margin
Entire
Leaf size
> 6 inches long, 1-3 inches wide
Hairs present
No
Leaf detail
Variegated green leaves with white or yelow. Sword-shaped up to 24 to 36 inches long and 2 to 3 inches wide. The clasp the stem with a heart-shaped base.
Fall color
Gold/Yellow
Flower color
Red/Burgundy; White
Flower detail
Feathery, reddish brown flower spikes that turn to white at maturity.