Variegated Ribbon Grass, Gardener&

Variegated Ribbon Grass, Gardener's Garters

Phalaris arundinacea 'Picta'

This ornamental grass forms a graceful clump is valued for its texture, movement, and four-season presence in the mixed border or mass planting.

  • Bold foliage provides strong textural contrast in the mixed border from spring through winter.
  • Flower heads add a secondary layer of ornament through summer and autumn.
  • Leave stems standing through winter for wildlife value and structural interest; cut back hard to 10–15 cm in early spring.
  • Best in full sun to partial shade with moist, average, dry, well-drained, wet soil.
Size
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Plant Characteristics

Sunlight
Full sun, Partial shade
Soil Moisture
Average, Dry, Moist, Wet, Well-drained
Drought Tolerant
✓
Hardiness Zone
3 – 3
Mature Height (meters)
0.7 – 1.0
Mature Spread (meters)
0.7 – 1.5
Growth Rate
Fast
Foliage Colour
Green
Fall Colour
Yellow
Bloom Time
Summer
Habit
Upright
Deer Resistant
✓
Rabbit Resistant
✓
Landscape Uses
Groundcover, Mass planting, Rain garden
Growing & Maintenance Tips
It will grow in any soil, in standing water, moist or dry areas and will tolerate full sun and some light shade. Although seeds are sterile, it spreads actively by rhizome. Propagate by division, in the spring or fall. For best results, prune to 15 cm in the summer, when the flowers appear, to promote a fall flush. Not suitable for most small landscapes, as it spreads rapidly. Good for stabilizing slopes.
Notes
Also referred to as Reed Canary Grass, Ribbon Grass. Potential Invasive Species Also known as Reed Canary Grass, any blades showing reversion (going green) should be removed, including the root. Although Phalaris produces very little seed, and the seeds are infertile, any root cutting can sprout and establish in unintended places.

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