Rhizome bud development was studied in two populations of Phragmites australis: one from an area with typical meadow soil and another from an area characterized by saline-alkali soil. Soil samples were taken from each site and the number of rhizome buds in different age classes was recorded. The aim of this research was to determine the age structure, output regularity and vegetative propagation characteristics of P. australis rhizome buds in heterogeneous habitats. Results showed that P. australis rhizome bud banks are composed of six age classes, the age structure was expansive from June to October in the meadow soil habitat. In contrast, in the saline-alkali soil habitat it declined from June to July, was stable in August and was expansive from September to October. The number of rhizome bud at the 1st to 4th is generally higher in meadow soil habitat than that in saline-alkali soil habitat, while the number of rhizome bud at the 5th to 6th is generally higher in saline-alkali soil habitat than that in meadow soil habitat. There was a significant linear correlation(P < 0.05)between the number of rhizome buds and month. As the age class increased, the proportion of dormant buds declined, and the proportion of germinating buds rose. There was also a significant linear correlation (P < 0.01) between the percentage of dormant buds and germinating buds in the growing periods and age classes. The rate of bud dormancy for each age class was relatively stable, the output rate of rhizome dormancy buds in the meadow soil habitats was about 11% per year,and the output rate of rhizome dormancy buds in saline-alkali soil habitats was about 7% per year. To conclude, there were significant differences in the age structure and age spectrum of P. australis population rhizome buds in heterogeneous habitats; however, they showed similar seasonal patterns ensuring new rhizome bud formation for vegetative propagation.