table of contents
- Height & varieties
- Growth per year
- Giant Chinese reeds
- Curb height growth
- frequently asked Questions
Chinese reed grows very quickly and can reach impressive heights. Therefore, it is wonderfully suitable as a natural privacy screen. But size can also be a problem.
In a nutshell
- Spread is very rapid
- well suited as protection from wind, as shade provider and privacy screen
- Height depending on the type
- Growth can be curbed
Height & varieties
The Chinese reed is also known as Miscanthus sinensis in botanical terminology and is available in numerous different variants. Therefore there is no exact size. However, there is a selection that is suitable for everyone. They are differentiated, for example, according to size, color and requirements.
Small varieties of Chinese reed reach heights of 40 centimeters to 1.5 meters. They include, among others:
- Miscanthus oligostachyus "Nanus Variegatus"
- Miscanthus sinensis gracillimus
- Miscanthus sinensis "Small Fountain"
- Miscanthus sinensis "Little Silver Spider"
- Miscanthus sinensis "Morning Light"
- Miscanthus sinensis "Red Chief"
- Dwarf Chinese reed
Large varieties include, for example:
- Miscanthus x giganteus
- Miscanthus japonicum giganteus
- Miscanthus sacchariflorus
They reach sizes of up to five meters and grow particularly quickly. These shapes are ideal when you need a privacy screen in a short amount of time.
Note: The reeds can also be grown in larger pots. This makes it even suitable for the balcony.
Growth per year
Many varieties of Chinese silver are just summer green. This means that the stalks die off in autumn and the plant sprouts again in spring. Because of this and because of the numerous different varieties, no general statement can be made on growth per year.
In the case of deciduous varieties, however, the speed is impressive. Under optimal conditions, several centimeters per day are possible. This is especially true for large varieties. However, even evergreen varieties usually reach their full size within one season.
Tip: Remove withered or dried up shoots as soon as possible in autumn. This will reduce the risk of rot and other diseases.
Giant Chinese reeds
These variants are not only particularly high, but also reach corresponding widths. You have to reckon with this Chinese reed with a height of 2.5 meters. Not only is it remarkable that these variants grow to be five meters high, but also that they can grow up to five centimeters per day. This is not uncommon, especially in warm, humid summers. So up to five meters per year are possible without any problems.
Curb height growth
If the reeds get too high, they can Culms can be shortened easily. This measure is possible all year round. This is even required in some communities and gardening associations. Because here height restrictions for plants may have to be observed.
Make sure that the following criteria are met for the cutting tool:
- sufficient leverage
- clean
- spicy
This creates smooth cut surfaces and reduces the risk of parasites and diseases. Also choose a dry, overcast day. This prevents burns from the blazing sun, but still allows the cut stalk to dry off quickly.
frequently asked Questions
The increase in height is particularly pronounced in warm springs and warm, humid summers. Even if the culture conditions are optimal, the speed increases.
Apart from the death of the stalks in autumn, deciduous varieties grow faster. They reach their maximum level within a few months.
In winter or spring after the stalks have dried up, they can be cut off close to the ground and thus radically. If it is only a matter of shortening to control the increase in height, you can also remove a third to a half.
