When it comes to ornamental grasses, many a plant lover may think of dainty little variants that blend harmoniously into the perennial garden. Chinese reed also belongs in this category, with numerous varieties, some of which are very tall, and which shine as solitaires.
Most Chinese reed varieties grow between one and one and a half meters tall
How tall can Chinese reed grow?
The relatively well-known giant Chinese reed (bot. Miscanthus giganteus) often grows to a height of three metres, and even up to four meters in an ideal location. Not only the final size is interesting, but also the speed of growth. The daily increase is up to five centimeters.
Most varieties of Chinese reed reach a height of between one and a half and two to two and a half meters. This makes it clear that these ornamental grasses have a considerable space requirement. You should take this into account when buying or planting the reed. The large species are ideal as solitary plants, smaller ones can also be combined well. You can even create a hedge with Chinese reed.
Are there also small varieties of Chinese reed?
There are also smaller varieties of Chinese reed, although "small" is relative here. The dwarf Chinese reed, probably the smallest variant, still reaches a height of about one meter. But this Chinese reed scores with its flowering joy. It fits perfectly in a smaller garden and can also be used as a privacy screen on the balcony.
The height in numbers:
- Dwarf Chinese reed "Adagio": up to about 1 m, green and white striped leaves, silvery flowers
- Chinese reed "Kleine Silberspinne": about 1.20 m to 1.50 m, dense growth, rich flowers
- Chinese reed “Ferner Osten”: up to about 1.60 m, narrow leaves, red flowers with white tips
- Chinese reed "Flammenmeer": up to about 1.60 m, loose growth, decorative autumn colors (red)
- Chinese reed "Klein Fontäne": up to about 1.80 m, early and profuse flowering
- Chinese reed "Kaskade": up to about 1.80 m, loose growth, silvery-red flowers
- Chinese reed “Gracillimus”: up to about 2 m, filigree growth, rare flowers
- Chinese reed "Kupferberg": up to about 2.20 m, upright habit, copper-colored flowers
- Giant Chinese reed Miscanthus giganteus: up to about 3 m, occasionally even 4 m, broad leaves, overhanging habit, rare flowers
tips
"Small" is relative with Chinese reed, even the smallest varieties are at least one meter high.