Spanish Cane (Arundo Donax) Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners
Article by Dean Ravenscroft, Ph.D. - updated 31st Jan 2024
- Plant Characteristics: A tall, bamboo-like grass that can reach up to 20 feet in height, featuring large, feathery plumes and thick stalks. It's often used for screening or as a dramatic focal point in landscapes.
- Growing & Care: Thrives in full sun and moist, well-drained soil. It's very fast-growing and can become invasive in favorable conditions. Regular pruning and containment measures are recommended to manage its spread.
- Tips for New Gardeners: Suitable for those who need fast growth and have ample space. However, be mindful of its invasive potential and plan for containment. It's low-maintenance in terms of care, but its size and spread need regular monitoring.
Arundo donax is classified as a tall perennial cane plant or reed. It is a member of the Poaceae (grass and bamboo) family.
It is called by several common names such as Giant reed, Elephant grass, Carrizo, Arundo, Spanish Cane, and Giant cane.
Arundo donax photograph by Harry Rose.
It grows best in a wetland environment, and has been successfully planted all over the world.
Unfortunately, it has been somewhat too successful in some places as it has an invasive root system. These roots can prevent other plant life from growing in the same area because of how tightly bound the root fibers are as they spread.
leaves of the variegated cultivar of Arundo donax photograph by Forest and Kim Starr; CC.
Scientists have begun growing Spanish Cane as a possible energy crop, as a sustainable biofuel. Arundo donax also has potential for phytoremediation; a plant used to clean air, soil, and water of contaminants.
Spanish Cane (Also known as Giant Reed), photograph by Miguel Angel Chamorro Moreno; CC.
Gardener's HQ Guide to Growing Giant Reed
Arundo donax is unable to be grown from seed, but spreads by an underground root system.
As the roots spread, clones of the main plant grow along with it. The plant grows much more quickly than surrounding plants and can easily out compete them if left to run wild.
Spanish Cane / Giant Reed grows best in wet soils. But can be grown in gravel or heavy clay soils, this can be beneficial as the root system will not spread as quickly.
A moderate watering schedule is recommended for the plant for the best growth. In more arid conditions the plant will simply die back, but will regrow when its water needs are met.
Arundo donax plant seed head, image by 阿橋 HQ; CC.
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Arundo donax Growing and Care Guide
- Scientific Name: Arundo donax.
- Common Name: Spanish cane, Giant reed.
- Growing Zone: USA: 6 to 10.
- Life Cycle / Plant Type: Grass, Perennial.
Plant Details
- Plant Height (Inches): 72 to 180.
- Plant Spread (Inches): 20 to 60.
- Time of Bloom: Early fall, Late fall, Mid fall.
- Flower Details: Green, Purple.
- Leaf Foliage: Green.
- Fruit:
- Growth Form: Upright / erect.
Ideal Growing Conditions
- Best Light Conditions: Full sunlight.
- Rate of Growth: Quick.
- Suitable Soil Types: Adaptable, Clay, Loamy, Neutral, Sandy.
- Soil Moisture: Moist/Wet.
Caring Conditions
- Care:
- Level of Maintenance:
- Propagation: Seed, sown in containers in a cold frame in spring or by division in early summer.
- How to Prune: Leaves can be cut off when they die back in late autumn.
- Pests: Usually pest free.
- Diseases: Usually pest free.
Further Information
- Can Attract: Birds.
- Tolerant of:
- Best Garden Use: Container, Screen, Specimen, Winter interest.
- Family: Poaceae.
- Closely Related Species: Grasses.
I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Arundo donax. You may also enjoy the following growing guides: How to grow Avena and New Zealand Wind Grass.
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