Reeds are easy to care for and grow quickly. It is therefore often planted as a hedge and privacy screen in the garden. Find out below which species are particularly suitable for reed hedges and what needs to be taken into account when planting.
Which reeds are suitable for privacy protection and what should be taken into account when planting?
For a reed privacy screen, cattails and reeds are suitable for wet areas, while miscanthus is suitable for drier garden hedges. When planting, install a root barrier and ensure adequate watering.
Which types of reed privacy screens?
There are different types of reeds that differ not only in their appearance but also in their location requirements and their growth behavior. The common reed and cattail grow mainly on pond or river banks, while miscanthus can also tolerate drier locations.
Therefore, cattail and reed are the right choice for creating a natural privacy screen around a wetland, while miscanthus is for hedges It is recommended in the garden without being close to a pond.
You should also pay attention to the correct growth height. Dwarf species such as the dwarf reed Phragmites australis ssp. Humilis are not ideal for a tall hedge because - as the name suggests - they do not grow nearly as tall as their counterparts. You can find a comprehensive overview of the different types of reeds here.
What should you consider when planting?
Most types of reeds and also Chinese reeds grow very profusely. Although there are now cultivars that rarely form runners, if you did not specifically ask for one when purchasing, you should definitely install a root barrier when planting reeds. Otherwise, reeds can quickly become a real pest that displaces other plants and is difficult to remove.
What care does a reed hedge need?
Reeds not only grow quickly and densely, they are also very easy to care for. The only thing that needs to be ensured is sufficient watering, as long as the roots are not at the edge of the pond. The reeds are also grateful for fertilizer in the form of compost once a year. After its winter break, the reed hedge must be cut down completely so that the plants can sprout again. You can find more information about care in our care guide for reeds.
Is reed hardy?
Reed is very hardy and does not require winter protection. However, it is recommended to tie the fronds together because they dry and can break off more easily. In addition, the roots are better protected from cold and moisture.
Can a reed hedge also be grown in a pot?
If you would like to plant a reed hedge on the balcony or terrace as a privacy screen, you will have to resort to potted plants. Miscanthus is the right choice for this. The larger the bucket, the more comfortable the ornamental grass feels and the faster and more beautifully it grows. It is important to ensure adequate watering. Even though Miscanthus is basically winter hardy, the pot should be wrapped up warm in winter and the roots should be covered with brushwood, mulch or something else. Place the potted plant as sheltered as possible and under no circumstances cut off the fronds while it is still freezing!