common reed

Also known as: bennels; carrizo; Danube grass; ditch reed; nal; Norfolk reed; pole reed; spire reed; spires

P. australis is a vigorous reed grass to 3m in height, spreading by rhizomes and forming an extensive colony of erect, leafy, robust stems with drooping linear leaves which turn light brown in autumn, and terminal dark purple flowering panicles from late summer

Scientific classification

Species: common reed (Phragmites australis)
Genus: Phragmites
Family: Poaceae

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Toxicity: Grass Like · Bogs
Plant type: 2.5-4 metres
Height: 2.5-4 metres
Spread: Deciduous
Foliage: Tufted
Habit: Autumn · Spring · Summer
Season of interest: Full sun
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

common reed pictures

Distribution of common reed

Distribution map

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Culture

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Toxicity

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Quick identification of common reed

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common reed care guide

Moderate regular watering, allowing brief slight drying between soakings
Watering: Full sun
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Watering

Moderate regular watering, allowing brief slight drying between soakings

Fertilizing

Balanced perennial feed every four weeks from spring through summer

Pruning

Cut back in late autumn or winter

Propagation

Propagate by division from early spring to early summer

Growing

Grow in deep, moderately fertile, reliably moist soil in full sun; it needs ample space and has the potential to become a nuisance in favourable conditions if not managed well. In riverside, lake or pond areas can be grown in large containers sunk in water to restrict growth and provides ideal habitats for rare and endangered birds.

More growing and care information →