Planting reeds: this is how it's done

Planting reeds: this is how it's done

Which location is best?

Each reed variety 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 need moist soil and therefore thrive best on pond banks or on marshy meadows. Chinese reed, on the other hand, can be planted normally in the bed.

Both reeds and Chinese reeds do best in the sun. Partially shaded locations are also suitable. Otherwise, both types of reed are rather undemanding in terms of their location: Chinese reed thrives on practically any soil and if it is moist enough, the reed is also very frugal.

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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. As a guideline date, gardeners use the ice saints, which are usually in the middle of May.

How can reeds be planted?

The easiest way is to buy pre-grown plants and plant them directly in the soil. If you like challenges, you can sow the reeds yourself. However, this is not always successful and requires an extremely pronounced green thumb. However, if you decide to use this option, it is advisable to pre-germinate the seeds in seed trays and to plant out the pre-grown plants in May.

What care does the reed need immediately after planting?

It is important that the water supply is correct. While you do not need to water the reeds that you plant on a pond bank, you should make sure that the substrate is always moist, especially shortly after planting. But don't overdo it either: like all non-aquatic plants, Chinese reeds don't like waterlogging.

Which planting partners are suitable for the reeds?

With its beautiful, long stalks, reeds can stand alone on the edge of the pond. Combinations of different types of reed are beautiful and conceivable. Chinese reed is also enough on its own, but can also be combined well with low perennials. Since Chinese reed forms very long roots, it may be useful to build in a root barrier.

How can reeds be propagated?

Reed and Chinese reed form long roots and can be wonderfully propagated 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 elsewhere.

Tips

For pond planting, choose smaller ponds such as dwarf reeds. If, on the other hand, you want to give your pond a privacy screen, use the giant reed.