Variegated Ribbon Grass
Phalaris arundinacea 'Picta'
Height: 32 inches
Spread: 3 feet
Sunlight:
Hardiness Zone: 2
Other Names: Canary Grass
Ornamental Features
Variegated Ribbon Grass' attractive grassy leaves are lime green in color with showy white variegation on a plant with an upright spreading habit of growth. The foliage often turns tan in fall.
Landscape Attributes
Variegated Ribbon Grass is an herbaceous perennial grass with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its medium texture blends into the garden, but can always be balanced by a couple of finer or coarser plants for an effective composition.
This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and can be pruned at anytime. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;
- Invasive
Variegated Ribbon Grass is recommended for the following landscape applications;
- Groundcover
- Naturalizing And Woodland Gardens
Planting & Growing
Variegated Ribbon Grass will grow to be about 32 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 3 feet. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 20 years. As an herbaceous perennial, this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter, and will regrow from the base each spring. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen!
This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. It is an amazingly adaptable plant, tolerating both dry conditions and even some standing water. It may require supplemental watering during periods of drought or extended heat. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This is a selection of a native North American species. It can be propagated by division; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation.
