In our country, reeds often adorn the banks of rivers and lakes and can still be seen even when it is snowing and cold. It is therefore reasonable to assume that reeds are hardy. But are all types of reed hardy? Do you need winter protection in the garden or in the pond? Find out here!

Reed has a very good winter hardiness

Where is reed native to?

Reeds are found almost everywhere in the world except in particularly hot, tropical areas. It is widespread in Europe and especially in Northern Europe. Reed can therefore tolerate a very wide range of temperatures and climatic conditions.
Chinese reed comes from China, as the name suggests, but is also native to Japan and Korea.

How hardy is reed?

Both reed and Chinese reed are extremely robust and hardy by nature. Both easily tolerate temperatures down to -20 degrees or even colder. But beware! Newer breeds may have a lower winter hardiness. Therefore, be sure to inquire about winter hardiness when purchasing.

Do reeds need winter protection?

Due to its good winter hardiness, reeds do not in principle require winter protection. However, there are a few things to keep in mind, and especially in very cold climates, it's better to be safe than sorry.

  • Never cut back reeds before winter! The leaves protect the roots from the cold and wet.
  • Tie the leaves together at the top to keep them from breaking off in a storm.
  • In very cold regions, you can protect Chinese reed from the cold with some mulch (€239.00) or something similar.

Overwinter reeds in pots

Chinese reed can also be overwintered outdoors in pots. However, you should take protective precautions here: in the fall, put a good amount of mulch or sticks around the roots and wrap the pot in a blanket or other insulating material. You should also make sure that the bucket is protected from the wind as much as possible.
Potted reeds should be moved to a frost-free place. Otherwise, the water will freeze completely and can destroy both the pot and the roots of the reed.

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