How to Grow Giant Reed
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Giant Reed
Arundo donax
grassArundo donax, commonly known as Giant Reed or Spanish Cane, is a tall perennial grass that can reach heights of 15-20 feet, making it one of the tallest grasses in temperate climates. It features broad, bamboo-like leaves and spreads rapidly through rhizomes and viable seeds. While striking in appearance, it is considered invasive in many regions and is now heavily controlled or banned in several areas.
When should you plant Giant Reed in your zone?
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Example Giant Reed timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Giant Reed
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Giant Reed
Around Aug 15≈ 120 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Giant Reed dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 6-11, most vigorous in zones 8-10
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Emergence
2-4 weeksSeeds germinate and small shoots appear with 2-3 leaves; rhizome fragments sprout new shoots from nodes
Keep soil consistently moist; protect young shoots from competition; rhizome cuttings establish quickly if kept moist
Vegetative Growth
6-12 weeksRapid stem and leaf expansion; plant develops multiple culms (stems) from the base, reaching 3-8 feet tall with broad, arching leaves
Water regularly; provide nutrient support; monitor for competing weeds; thin crowded shoots if desired for single-stem specimens
Full Height Development
4-8 weeksMature height of 15-20 feet achieved; stems thicken and become woody; extensive rhizomatous root system develops
Continue irrigation during dry periods; no fertilizer needed once established; begin pruning if needed to control spread
Flowering
4-8 weeksTall, feathery, plume-like panicles (seed heads) emerge at stem tips, typically 1-2 feet long, ranging from whitish to purplish
Flowering occurs late summer through fall; remove seed heads before maturity if invasiveness is a concern; viable seeds are rare in many regions
Dormancy & Winter
3-4 months (varies by zone)Foliage dies back in cold climates; rhizomes remain dormant underground; in warm zones, some evergreen foliage persists
Cut back dead stems in early spring; remove or suppress rhizome shoots that emerge; monitor for unauthorized spread
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Generally not a serious problem; tolerate minor damage; use neem oil or insecticidal soap if infestations occur
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Spray with water to dislodge; apply horticultural oils or insecticidal soap if severe
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Monitor for infestations; apply horticultural oils in dormant season
Uses
Historical Crafting Material
CraftArundo donax has been used historically for making baskets, thatching material, and musical instrument reeds (particularly saxophone and oboe reeds). Its strong, hollow culms make it suitable for various craft applications. [source]
Biofuel and Biomass Energy
HouseholdGiant Reed is being researched globally as a potential biofuel crop and biomass feedstock due to its rapid growth, high yield, and ability to grow on marginal lands. Its high productivity per acre makes it attractive for renewable energy applications. [source]
Ecological Concern & Invasiveness
WildlifeWhile Arundo provides dense cover used by some bird species, it is widely recognized as an invasive species that outcompetes native riparian vegetation, reduces biodiversity, increases fire risk, and alters water dynamics. Management and eradication are ongoing priorities in many regions. [source]
Paper & Pulp Production
HouseholdGiant Reed has been investigated as a potential source material for paper and pulp production due to its rapid growth rates and high cellulose content, offering a renewable alternative to traditional timber sources. [source]
Traditional Use in Some Cultures
MedicinalIn certain traditional medicine systems, particularly in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern regions, Arundo has been used for various remedial purposes, though scientific evidence is limited and modern use is minimal. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Giant Reed is not typically harvested for food or ornamental purposes. In regions where it is managed, rhizomes are excavated and removed to control spread; this is labor-intensive and requires repeated efforts. Seeds and vegetative fragments should be destroyed to prevent dispersal. In some research and biofuel contexts, aboveground biomass is cut annually.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Giant Reed can grow up to 3 feet per month under optimal conditions, making it one of the fastest-growing plants in temperate regions.
- 🌱 Arundo donax is so invasive that it now covers an estimated 300,000+ acres in the southwestern United States alone, and it is listed as a noxious weed in multiple states and countries.
- 🌱 The plant is nearly sterile in most regions outside its native Mediterranean and Asian range, spreading almost entirely through rhizome fragmentation; a single small rhizome piece can initiate a new colony.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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