Chinese reed is not only very decorative, it often spreads further than is perhaps desired. So the idea of keeping the Chinese reed in check with a root barrier is obvious. However, this is not absolutely necessary.
A root barrier makes sense when planting Miscanthus oligostachyus "Nanus Variegatus".
What does a root barrier do?
A root barrier, also known as a rhizome barrier, is intended to prevent plants from spreading unhindered in the garden. That is why it mechanically hinders the growth of the root, the roots cannot grow through it. Since Chinese reed develops very strong roots, a root barrier should be made of solid material. Most of the time, however, these roots form clumps and no long runners, then no rhizome barrier is necessary.
Sometimes a root barrier is also used to protect other things, such as water pipes or cables that have been laid in the garden. Over time, the strong roots of a giant Chinese reed can certainly squeeze pipes or grow through pond liners.
Which varieties need a root barrier?
The rhizome-forming varieties include, for example, Miscanthus oligostachyus "Nanus Variegatus", here a root barrier makes sense. But you should also think about this limitation with the giant Chinese reed if you do not want to regularly check the root growth yourself. The roots, which grow up to two meters deep, are very difficult to remove from the ground after a few years.
How do I set a root barrier?
It is best to place a root barrier when planting your Chinese reed. To do this, dig a relatively large planting hole. It should be at least three times the size of your reed's root ball. Then put the root barrier in the hole and the Chinese reed in the middle. Put some mature compost in the planting hole and fill it up with fresh soil.
The essentials in brief:
- prevents uncontrolled spreading of the Chinese reed
- Root barrier only rarely necessary
- useful when root growth cannot be controlled
- can protect pond liner from being damaged by roots
- Root barrier should reach just below the edge of the soil or even beyond
- use stable material
tips
If your Chinese reed grows at the edge of the pond, you should protect the foil with a root barrier.