Reed is an attractive method of protecting yourself from the prying eyes of neighbors on your balcony and terrace - without any building permit! Below you will find out which types of reeds thrive best on balconies and terraces and what needs to be taken into account when it comes to planting and care.
Which reeds are suitable for the balcony and how do you care for them?
Miscanthus sinensis 'Malepartus' and Miscanthus x giganteus are particularly suitable for reeds on the balcony. Make sure there is enough sun, moderate moisture for Chinese reeds or moister for reeds and ensure winter protection by insulating the pot and tying the stalks together.
Which types of reeds are suitable for balconies and terraces?
In general, most miscanthus and reed species can also be grown in pots. However, you should keep in mind that if you choose a very tall type of reed, such as the giant miscanthus, you will need a very large planter and will have to transplant the plant into a larger container every few years.
Professionals particularly recommend the miscanthus species Miscanthus sinensis 'Malepartus' with a height of 0.75 - 1.25 meters for cultivation on the balcony, as well as the giant miscanthus Miscanthus x giganteus, which grows up to becomes two meters high.
Sunny or shady?
Reeds like it sunny, this also applies to balcony plants. It also thrives in partial shade. However, if your balcony is completely in the shade, you should look for another balcony plant, as reeds grow much slower in the shade.
Water the reeds on the balcony properly
Miscanthus likes it moderately moist, but does not cope well with waterlogging. Reed, on the other hand, can also cope with excessive moisture - after all, it is a riparian plant. So make sure there is adequate drainage, especially with miscanthus. You can also plant reeds in water, for example in an attractive potted pond.
Care for reeds on the balcony
Proper watering is the be-all and end-all. The reeds only need fertilizer once a year, ideally in the form of compost. Pruning in the spring after the winter break is highly recommended to remove old, dried-out stalks and make room for new greenery.
Overwintering reeds on the balcony
In general, both miscanthus and reed are well hardy. When keeping it in a bucket on the balcony, it still makes sense to provide winter protection to protect the roots from freezing. How to overwinter your reeds on the balcony:
- Do not cut the stalks under any circumstances, but tie them together to protect the roots from moisture.
- Wrap the bucket with a blanket or other insulating material.
- Place your reeds in a place protected from the wind, e.g. on a house wall.