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Phragmites australis (Common reed)

Other names: Phragmites communis, Phragmites isiaca, Bennels, Carrizo, Danube grass, Ditch reed, Nal, Pole reed, Spire reed, Spires

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Species
P. australis is a vigorous, rhizomatous, perennial grass with robust stems bearing flat, linear, grey-green leaves that turn golden-brown in autumn, and feathery, upright panicles of dark purple flowers from late summer into mid-autumn.
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Season of interest

Flower

Spring Summer Autumn Winter
Flower

Foliage

Spring Summer Autumn Winter
Foliage
Height and spread

Height and spread

Size Max height Max spread To maturity
3 m 5 m 2-5 years
9 ft 16 ft 2-5 years

Where to grow

Soil type
  • Chalky
  • Clay
  • Loamy
  • Sandy
Soil drainage
  • Moist but well-drained
  • Boggy damp conditions
  • Pond/In water
  • Moisture-retentive
Soil pH
  • Acid
  • Alkaline
  • Neutral
Sunlight
  • Full Sun
Aspect
  • East
  • West
Exposure
  • Exposed
  • Sheltered

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Additional plant details

Cultivation

Plant in deep, moist soil in full sun. Since it is invasive, P. australis is best grown in lake or waterside plantings with ample space. If space is limited, grow in containers sunk in water to restrict growth.

Suggested uses

Containers/Patio, Wildflower, Wildlife, Waterside, Bog garden, Aquatic

UK hardiness

H7

USDA zones

Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9

Sunset zone

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

WUCOLS

North-Central Coastal = Moderate/Medium
Central Valley = Unknown
South Coastal = Moderate/Medium
South Inland = Unknown
High and Intermediate Desert = Unknown
Low Desert = Unknown

Foliage

Deciduous

Habit

Upright, Spreading, Clump-forming

Native to

Temperate regions worldwide, Tropical regions worldwide

Drought tolerant

No

Flood tolerant

Yes

Toxicity

Not toxic

Plant care

Pruning

Cut back in late autumn or winter.

Propagation methods

Division

Pests

Generally pest-free.

Diseases

Generally disease-free.

Cut back in autumn (optional)

Other plants

Plants in this Genus (2)

Phragmites

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Phragmites australis
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Phragmites australis Common reed
Phragmites australis subsp. australis 'Variegatus'
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Phragmites australis subsp. australis 'Variegatus' Variegated reed
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Companion plants (0)

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