Sounds like they would probably would do ok in large containers on the balcony...Would the invasivness be a problem? I'm on the 20th floor and most everything below and in the neighboring area is well manicured.

Depends on where you are located; seed dispersal seems to be its primary mechanism of spread; you should check the regs where you live. Since it's a wetland plant, I suppose water could be a challenge on the 20th floor---

Bob - there are plenty of tall ornamental grasses which would be much more satisfactory for your purposes. The plant in your photograph is indeed Phragmites, a reed rather than a grass, and it needs specific wetland conditions. I very much doubt you could reproduce them on your balcony. For grass suggestions I would try asking over on the Perennials Forum.

If I knew where you were located, I might suggest bamboo. There are zillions of different kinds, some shorter than others (groundcover types) but all very suited to growing in a container. Bamboos are evergreen (or very nearly so) so retain a year round appearance and they move wonderfully in any breeze, making a continuous soft susurration. And they rarely ever produce any seeds!

Most taller growing ornamental grasses need to be cut back to the ground once a year and then take some time to regrow to their former size so you miss out on any ability to provided that whispering, rustling noise you desire for a good chunk of the year. Bamboo does not require cutting back.

I'm on the 20th floor of a west facing balcony in Toronto (zone 6a). Very sunny in the summer and usually windy 20-60kph. Ideally i can bring plants indoors in the winter if there in containers. Does bamboo grow fast enough to have that rusteling sound by mid summer?

Hi,

I'm also located in Toronto. I wouldn't suggest bamboo if you want something that is bulletproof for our winters. I have Karl Foerster grass (feather reed grass) planted on my 15th floor terrace.

Hardy to zone 3, it will survive in a container and makes lovely swishing sounds in the wind. This pic is about 6 weeks after I planted, and reached 6' tall in the first year. Only maintenance is to cut it down around March. Looks great all winter. Will reach about 4' by May. Mine are in planters 24" across and wide. Grass is about 18" wide by second year. Hope that helps!

Karl Foerster Grass

Thanks Poppy, any idea where i might get some seed in Toronto or Mail order?

I don't know about seed, but you can buy the plant (maybe $15, I forget) at Sheridan Nurseries. There's a location at Yonge/Lawrence if you need something TTC accessible. If you want something particular and it's not in stock they will take your information and when it comes in, they set it aside for you and call you.

I purchased a TON of potting soil at the same time so I opted for their delivery service. It's a bit pricey but well worth it if you're buying a bunch of heavy stuff. They'll take it right up the elevator to your balcony.

They should also sell it at the garden centre at Fiesta Farms grocery store (Christie between Bloor and Dupont).

I should have also mentioned this grass rustles nicely in the wind but will not fall over. Nice upright habit. I've seen winds that will blow it perpendicular to the ground, and it stands right back up right away.

Good luck!

Thanks all for the advice :)

Grasses look good when dormant. You can prune them. 20 floors up is hard to imagine for a Mississippi man like me. There must be a constant wind for your grass plan. Can you hear walking above you ?

Bob... Be sure to keep us updated.

I'm on the top floor so if i hear walking up there i'm gonna be nervous ;) i ended up not trying grass this year, seems like everytime i went to the store I came back with a veggie plant of some sort and now theres no space...not even for one blade ;)

anyways , thanks for the advice, I've already started planning next years garden :)