Giant Variegated Mediterranean Rush Arundo donax 'Variegata'
Other Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- a-RUN-doh DON-aks vair-ee-ah-GAY-ta
- This plant is an invasive species in North Carolina
- Description
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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.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Arundo
- Species:
- donax
- Family:
- Poaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Division
- Dimensions:
- Height: 12 ft. 0 in. - 20 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 5 ft. 0 in. - 10 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Ornamental Grasses and Sedges
- Water Plant
- Habit/Form:
- Arching
- Clumping
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- High
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Cultural Conditions:
- 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
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b
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Fruit:
- Fruit Description:
- Seeds are rarely viable
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Red/Burgundy
- White
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Fall
- Flower Description:
- Feathery, reddish brown flower spikes that turn to white at maturity.
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Leaves:
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Variegated
- White
- Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Leaf Type:
- Sheath
- Simple
- Leaf Shape:
- Linear
- Leaf Margin:
- Entire
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- > 6 inches
- Leaf Width:
- 1-3 inches
- Leaf Description:
- 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.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Deer
- Wet Soil
- Problems:
- Invasive Species
