Ada Reed (Arundo donax ‘Variegata’) is a striking cultivar of giant reed. Celebrated for its ornamental appeal, its tall, upright stature and vibrant variegated foliage create significant visual impact in landscape designs.
Ada Reed’s Characteristics and Growth Habits
Ada Reed (Arundo donax ‘Variegata’) features tall, cane-like stems and long, strap-shaped leaves with creamy white and green variegation. It typically reaches 6 to 12 feet (1.8 to 3.7 meters) tall with a 3 to 6 feet (0.9 to 1.8 meters) spread. This perennial grass exhibits rapid growth, establishing quickly.
Its growth habit is clumping and rhizomatous, spreading through underground stems. Though less aggressive than its all-green counterpart, it can still spread vigorously. Ada Reed thrives in USDA hardiness zones 6 through 10, tolerating various conditions. This semi-evergreen plant maintains foliage through much of the year.
Essential Care for Ada Reed
Ada Reed thrives in full sun, which enhances its distinctive variegation and promotes best growth. While it tolerates partial shade, especially in hotter climates, its vibrant stripes become more pronounced with abundant light. A sheltered position is beneficial, protecting its tall stems from strong winds.
Consistent moisture is important, especially during establishment and hot, dry periods. While it appreciates moist soil, Ada Reed tolerates drought once established. It adapts to various soil conditions, but thrives in rich, well-drained soil. Incorporating organic matter, like compost, improves soil structure and nutrient content.
Ada Reed is not a heavy feeder but benefits from supplemental nutrients. Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring, and potentially mid-season, for robust development and vibrant foliage. Avoid fertilizing late in the growing season; this stimulates new growth vulnerable to early frosts.
Plant Ada Reed in spring or early fall, allowing root establishment before extreme temperatures. When planting, consider its mature size and rhizomatous growth, spacing plants 8 to 10 feet apart. In colder climates, leave foliage for natural winter insulation. Cut back dead canes in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges to maintain tidiness and encourage fresh shoots.
Managing Ada Reed in the Landscape
Pruning Ada Reed maintains its appearance and encourages fresh growth. Cut canes to ground level in late winter or early spring, before new shoots emerge. Annual cutting ensures a tidy display of new, vibrant foliage and rejuvenates the plant, preventing density. Foliage can be left for winter interest.
Division rejuvenates and controls mature clumps with reduced vigor or excessive size. Best done in early spring as new growth starts. Dividing Ada Reed requires robust tools, like sturdy spades or garden forks, due to its dense rhizomatous root system. Each divided section needs healthy roots and at least one cane for successful re-establishment.
Despite being a variegated cultivar, Arundo donax ‘Variegata’ retains its species’ vigorous growth habit; its rhizomatous spread can lead to unwanted encroachment. Strategic placement is important to prevent spreading into undesired areas. For containment, install a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) root barrier around the planting area to restrict underground spread.
Ada Reed offers versatile landscape applications due to its tall, upright form and striking foliage. It creates excellent privacy screens or hedges, providing a dense visual barrier. The plant also functions as a focal point, drawing the eye with its architectural presence. Its moisture tolerance makes it suitable for planting near water features, providing a vertical element and complementing the aquatic environment.