Phalaris arundinacea var. picta
Gardener's garters, Reed canary grass, Ribbon grass
Also known as Phalaris arundinacea 'Elegantissima'
- Height × spread
- 0.85m × 0.6m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Colder than -20C (RHS H7)
- Flowers
- Summer
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This handsome grass has green and cream stripes, is moderately tall and very pretty. It is also very invasive. The best way to contain it is to give it challenging conditions such as drought and dry shade, but it won't look so good. The foliage deteriorates under very droughty conditions but quickly regenerates. You could grow it in a contained area, a friend grows it in a bed between the house and paved walkway to good effect.
- Flower colour
- Brown
- Foliage colour
- Green, White
- Variegated
- Yes
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Cube
- Height
- 0.85m
- Spread
- 0.6m
- Season of interest
- Summer, Autumn
- Flowers in
- Summer
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Wild flower meadow, Seaside garden, Prairie garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, likes part shade, tolerates light shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam (normal), Poor soil
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Damp and wet soil, Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Colder than -20C (RHS H7)
- Borders & containers
- Borders and containers
- Use for
- Ground cover, Bird attraction
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water frequently to keep the soil moist
The plant thrives in moist or boggy soil, doesn't tolerate dryness and should be watered frequently, not only after a period of drought, but if the soil begins to dry out spring to autumn. Check plants in pots more frequently, especially in hot weather.
Spring - late · Planting
Divide when too large
When the plant is too large clumps may be divided into two or more pieces. Rhizomes can be cut, whilst small bulbs or offsets are detached. The new plants can be grown in a container or planted in the ground.
Winter
Winter - mid-late · Planting
Prune to the ground in winter
Cut foliage to the ground before new growth starts in spring.
Where stems are grown for ornamental value, they should be removed either before new growth starts in spring, or during winter when they begin to look ragged or untidy.