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Chinese reed is a very fast grower and can reach an impressive height. It is therefore ideal as a natural privacy screen. But size can also be an issue.
In a nutshell
- Spread is very fast
- well suited as protection against wind, as a shade provider and privacy screen
- Height depends on the species
- Growth can be curbed
Height & Varieties
Chinese reed is also known as Miscanthus sinensis in botanical jargon and is available in numerous different varieties. Therefore there is no exact size. But there is a selection, the right variety for everyone. They are distinguished, for example, by size, color and requirements.
Small varieties of Chinese reed reach heights of 40 centimeters to 1.5 meters. They include, among others:
- Miscanthus oligostachyus "Nanus Variegatus"
- Miscanthus sinensis gracillimus
- Miscanthus sinensis "Small Fountain"
- Miscanthus sinensis "Little Silver Spider"
- Miscanthus sinensis 'Morning Light'
- Miscanthus sinensis 'Red Chief'
- Dwarf Chinese Reed
Examples of large varieties include:
- Miscanthus x giganteus
- Miscanthus japonicum giganteus
- Miscanthus sacchariflorus
They reach sizes of up to five meters and grow particularly quickly. These shapes are ideal when you need a privacy screen in a short amount of time.
Notice: The reed can also be grown in larger buckets. This makes it even suitable for the balcony.
growth per year
Many variants of the Chinese reed are only summer green. This means that the stalks die off in autumn and the plant sprout again in spring. Because of this and because of the numerous different varieties, no general statement can be made about the growth per year.
With deciduous varieties, however, the speed is impressive. Under optimal conditions, several centimeters per day are possible. This is especially true for tall varieties. However, even evergreen varieties usually reach their full size within one season.
Tip: Remove withered or dried shoots as soon as possible in autumn. This reduces the risk of rot and other diseases.
Giant Chinese reed
These variants are not only particularly high, but also reach corresponding widths. With this Chinese reed you have to reckon with a height of 2.5 meters in any case. Not only is it remarkable that these varieties grow up to five meters in height, but also that they can grow up to five centimeters per day. This is not uncommon, especially in warm, humid summers. Up to five meters per year are therefore possible without any problems.
curb height growth
If reeds get too tall, the stalks can easily be shortened. This measure is possible all year round. This is even required in some communities and garden clubs. Because height limits for plants may have to be observed here.
Make sure that the following criteria are met for the cutting tool:
- sufficient leverage
- clean
- sharp
This creates smooth cut surfaces and reduces the risk of parasites and diseases. Also, choose a dry, overcast day. This prevents burns from the blazing sun, but still allows the cut stalk to dry quickly.
frequently asked Questions
When does the reed grow particularly fast?Height growth is particularly pronounced in warm springs and warm, humid summers. Even if optimal culture conditions prevail, the speed increases.
Is there a difference between deciduous and evergreen varieties?Apart from the culms dying off in autumn, deciduous varieties grow faster. They reach their maximum height within a few months.
How short can the Chinese reed be cut?In winter or spring, after the stalks have dried up, they can be cut off at ground level and thus radically. If it is just trimming to control height growth, you can also remove one-third to one-half.