How to Grow Giant Reed Grass

Arundo donax is a species of grass with common names such as giant cane and giant reed. It is native to Southeastern Asia, although it grows in temperate and tropical climates throughout the world. Giant reed has many commercial uses, and landscapers also use it as an ornamental plant in tropical settings. Grow giant reed outside in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 7 and higher. This plant can tolerate a minimum annual temperature of zero degrees Fahrenheit. This plant grows quickly and can become invasive in warm climates. Most gardeners purchase giant reed as a growing plant.

Shovel
Compost
Twine
Garden shears

Instructions

- 1
  Dig a hole in the planting site that is twice the size of the giant reed's root ball. Remove the plant from its nursery container without damaging the plant, and place it in the hole so that its soil line is at the level of the soil. Mix one part compost with three parts native soil, and fill in the hole with this mixture. Pat the soil down firmly.
- 2
  Water giant reed thoroughly after planting, and provide the plant with enough supplemental water to total at least 1 inch of water per week. Giant reed grass should not require supplemental watering once it establishes itself in a particular area.
- 3
  Tie the taller canes to a fence or some other vertical structure with twine. This keeps giant reed in its designated area.
- 4
  Cut the canes of giant reed to the ground when they turn brown in the winter. This encourages thicker new growth in the spring and ensures that the canes have a neat appearance.
- 5
  Propagate giant reed by division in the spring. Dig a mature plant out of the ground and cut the center of the plant into equal sections with garden shears. Plant the divisions of the giant reed plant in other areas.

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