Synonym:  Arundo versicolor
Origin:  Native to southern Europe
Family:  Poaceae
Light:  Full sun
Height:   12-15'
Spacing:  10'
Blooms:  About 2' long, erect, terminal, reddish brown matures to white, terminal corn-like tassle, late Summer
Foliage:  1-2" across, 3-4' long, variegated, smooth, new leaves starts out cream and blue-green vertically striped, then matures to more yellow
Soil:  Loamy, clayey sand, drought/wet tolerant
Water:  Low
Uses:  Ornamental, xeriscaping, foliage, Winter interest, accent, specimen, dried floral arrangement, hedge, privacy screen, mass plant
Propagation:  Rootball/rhizome  divisions, air layering
Caution:  Plant can be invasive

Comments:  Arundo donax 'Variegata'  or Striped Giant Reed or Arundo versicolor  is an exotic ornamental grass with a fast, clumping growth habit.  It is a native of southern Europe.  In late Summer, terminal corn-like reddish-brown tassels about 2' long  appear maturing to white.  The tassels looks great in dried floral arrangements.  Arundo donax 'Variegata' has attractive variegated foliage; the young leaves have cream and blue-green vertical stripes which matures to yellow.  Striped Giant Reed is easily propagated from air layering rootball or rhizome divisions.  It performs well in both wet and dry soil in a sunny environment and soon forms a nice clump.  Provide Arundo versicolor sufficient space for it to spread.  This maintenance free and deer resistant plant is excellent for xeriscaping, adding drama to the dry landscape as well as providing Winter interest.   Use Arundo donax 'Variegata' as an accent plant or a stand alone specimen plant.  Mass plant Arundo versicolor for a fabulous looking hedge.  It's outstanding stature makes it ideal for a privacy screen.  Variegated Giant Reed catches everyone's attention with its spectacular foliage and is visibly noticeable from afar.    

USDA Zones:  6-10