Arundo donax Versicolor

The Arundo Versicolor (synonym Variegata) is a superb variegated form of Provence cane, whose foliage as well as the changing coloured stems are striped with white, silver, light green, cream, or yellow on a green background. This large and intensely bright grass is however less vigorous and slightly less hardy than the typical species, which is widespread in intermittently wet areas of Mediterranean regions. Its characteristic silhouette, which can evoke that of a giant reed or bamboo, is ideal for bringing verticality and volume to a wild or contemporary garden in mild climates.

The Provence cane, also known as variegated giant reed, is a type of grass that grows year after year and belongs to the Poaceae family. It originally came from tropical Asia but can now be found in many warm regions of the world, especially in subtropical climates. It likes to grow in marshes and can be found in sandy or loamy soil, as well as in poor and limestone-rich soils. Variegata cultivar is popular due to its pretty variegated foliage.

The Arundo donax Versicolor, anchored on powerful trailing rhizomes, quickly forms a dense and very upright tuft, composed of woody and robust canes, reaching 3 to 4 cm (1 to 2in) in diameter. These canes can rise up to 2 m (7ft) or 2.50 m (8ft) from the ground, and the shrub expands indefinitely over time. Each cane has long internodes, separated by nodes from which all the leaves grow. The young shoots have pink reflections. These leaves, which somewhat resemble those of corn, are linear, pointed at their tips, sheathed at the base and trailing. The colour of the canes and leaves successively changes from almost white to dark green striped with white-silver and light green, then cream and yellow. The long leaves measure 40 cm (16in) in length by 5 cm (2in) in width and have rough and sharp edges. They are evergreen in mild climates during winter, but deciduous in other regions. The Variegata Provence cane rarely flowers, in late summer, during long and hot summers. It then produces a few rare, fine, and green plume-like panicles over 50 cm (20in) long at the tip of its culms, which turn purplish-brown when ripe. The plant is sensitive to cold during its early years, but once well established, its base can withstand short frosts of around -10°C.

The Variegata Provence cane is a grass that can add elegance to large gardens or contemporary patios. It is less invasive than other types of cane, but is more ornamental. It can be used as a background for a permanent setting, but may be difficult to pair with other plants due to its strong personality and tendency to spread. It is best placed in the back of a bed or near a pond or swimming pool to create a lasting impression. However, it can paired with hardy banana trees or colocasia in an exotic setting.