Phragmites australis
Common reed, Carrizo
Also known as Phragmites communis
- Height × spread
- 1.5m × 2m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Colder than -20C (RHS H7)
- Flowers
- Autumn
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
A hearty reed which spreads itself amply if it has the right moist conditions. Long reeds reach a little over half a metre in height. They are basically green but may take on brown and purple tints. Fluffy plumey flower heads last into winter when the reeds themselves are turning straw coloured. They can be beautiful in winter when caught by the light. It is a plant with many uses - it can be used for thatching or to make mats. Parts of the plant are edible and the stems contain a sweet substance that is also edible.
- Flower colour
- Brown, White
- Foliage colour
- Brown, Green
- Fruit colour
- Beige, Brown
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Cube
- Height
- 1.5m
- Spread
- 2m
- Season of interest
- Summer, Autumn, Winter
- Flowers in
- Autumn
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Water garden, Seaside garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade
- Soil type
- Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil
- Hardiness
- Colder than -20C (RHS H7)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Water depth
- Up to 60cm
- Use for
- Structural
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring · Outdoors
Feed with aquatic plant food
As the plant is grown in water, feed with an aquatic feed as directed on the packet. Do not exceed the amounts given as this can affect the water.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water frequently to keep the soil moist
The plant thrives in moist or boggy soil, doesn't tolerate dryness and should be watered frequently, not only after a period of drought, but if the soil begins to dry out spring to autumn. Check plants in pots more frequently, especially in hot weather.
Winter
Winter - mid-late · Planting
Prune to the ground in winter
Cut foliage to the ground before new growth starts in spring.
Where stems are grown for ornamental value, they should be removed either before new growth starts in spring, or during winter when they begin to look ragged or untidy.
Planting & general
Compost · Planting
Compost for aquatic plants
Use aquatic plant compost for pond plants (other composts contain nitrates that cause problems in ponds). Pond plants are generally planted in baskets and weighted to keep in position.