Reeds don't grow everywhere. Depending on the type of reed, certain location requirements and care measures must be taken into account. Below you will learn how to plant your reeds correctly.
How to plant reeds correctly?
To plant reeds successfully, you should choose the right type of reed for the location, plant in the spring after the ice saints and ensure sufficient moisture. Site conditions, planting time and suitable planting partners as well as propagation methods are relevant for good growth.
Which location is best?
Each type of reed has its own requirements. Accordingly, you should choose a type of reed that can cope with the local conditions in your garden. The real reed and its subspecies require moist soil and therefore thrive best on pond banks or in swampy meadows. Miscanthus, on the other hand, can be planted in the bed as normal. Both reed and miscanthus thrive best in the sun. Partially shaded locations are also suitable. Otherwise, both types of reed are rather undemanding in terms of their location: Miscanthus thrives in practically any soil and as long as it is moist enough, the reed is also very undemanding.
When is the best time to plant?
The following applies to both real reeds and Chinese reeds: Spring is planting time. But wait until there is definitely no more frost to be expected. Gardeners use the Ice Saints as their guide date, which is usually in mid-May.
How can reeds be planted?
The easiest way is to buy pre-grown plants and plant them directly in the ground. If you like a challenge, you can also sow the reeds yourself. However, this is not always successful and requires a very strong green thumb. If you still decide on this option, it is advisable to pre-germinate the seeds in seed trays (€17.00 on Amazon) and plant out the early plants in May.
What care does the reed need immediately after planting?
It is important that the water supply is correct. While you obviously don't need to water reeds that you plant on the bank of a pond, you should make sure that the substrate is always moist when it comes to miscanthus, especially shortly after planting. But don't overdo it: Like all non-aquatic plants, miscanthus doesn't like waterlogging.
Which planting partners are suitable for the reeds?
With its beautiful, long stalks, reeds can stand alone at the edge of the pond. Combinations of different types of reeds are beautiful and conceivable. Miscanthus is also sufficient on its own, but can also be combined well with low perennials. Since miscanthus has very long roots, it may make sense to install a root barrier.
How can reeds be propagated?
Reeds and Chinese reeds form long roots and can be propagated wonderfully by dividing them. You don't necessarily have to dig up the entire plant to propagate. All you need to do is cut off the roots with a spade, dig them up and replant them somewhere else.
Tip
For pond planting in smaller ponds, choose small types of reeds such as dwarf reeds. However, if you want to give your pond a privacy screen, use giant reeds.