Scientific Name
Phalaris arundinaera

Common Name
Ribbon grass; Gardener's garters; Reed canary grass


Hardiness Zones: 4-9

[Picata]
Height: 2 to 5'
Light Requirements: Prefers light shade
Soil/Moisture: Fertile, moist soil; tolerates wet or dry soil and coastal conditions; drought tolerant
Form/Texture: Upright; open
Inflorescence: White to pale pink flowers June to August
Comments: Cool season grass; white striped leaves; spreads by rhizomes - can become invasive (less aggressive in clay soil); can be grown as a ground cover or container plant
Cultivars:
Feesey: (Freesey's ribbon grass) weeping love grass; green and white striped foliage is blushed with pink and burgundy; 2-3'; zones 4-8

Picata: green leaves with white strips (never flushed with pink); 3-5'; usually not invasive

Lutea-Picta (yellow ribbon grass)

 

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Prepared by: Erv Evans, Consumer Horticulturist

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