- Is it enough to cut off the giant Chinese reed?
- Are there chemical agents against Chinese reed?
- How do I get the roots out of the ground?
- How fast does Chinese reed actually grow?
Although the giant Chinese reed is a very decorative and popular ornamental plant, it can also become a real nuisance. Once established in the garden, it is very difficult to remove.
Mere pruning does not kill the plant; the roots must be dug up
Is it enough to cut off the giant Chinese reed?
It is not enough to cut off the giant Chinese reed once, it grows back relatively quickly. But if you cut it regularly at short intervals close to the ground, then the plant will slowly leach out. It has no strength to form new rhizomes and eventually dies. But you need a lot of patience for this.
Are there chemical agents against Chinese reed?
Of course there are also chemical agents for removing (giant) Chinese reed, but for the sake of your garden and your family you should not use them. The toxins it contains also harm other plants and the animals that live in your garden. It can also get into the groundwater and thus become dangerous for people.
How do I get the roots out of the ground?
The only way to remove all the roots is to dig them out and do it thoroughly. If your Chinese reed is still relatively young, then the work is reasonably manageable. The older the plant gets, the stronger and longer the rhizomes are. They can grow up to two meters deep. So removing the reed completely is a lot of work.
How fast does Chinese reed actually grow?
Like all other Miscanthus varieties, the giant Chinese reed is one of the very fast-growing plants. The average growth is given as up to five centimeters per day. The reed, also known as elephant grass, can quickly reach its maximum height of three to four meters.
How to get rid of Chinese reed:
- regular radical pruning (several times a year)
- dig up roots
- Cover any remaining roots in the ground with black pond liner
- spread good soil on the foil
- plant with flat ground covers
- Remove the film after a year at the earliest
tips
If the unwanted Chinese reed is on your lawn, cut it off just above the ground. Then mow it regularly with the lawnmower.