Botanical Name: Phalaris arundinacea var. picta
Add
Common Name: Ribbon grass  
Plant photo of: Phalaris arundinacea var. picta
Previous Photo      Next Photo

Water Saving Tip:

Replace turf with groundcovers, trees, and shrubs. If you have areas where no one uses the grass, patches that do not grow well, or a turf area too small to water without runoff, consider replacing the turf with water-efficient landscaping.

  • Anatomy

  • Culture

  • Design

Plant Type

Perennial, Grass

 

Height Range

1-3'

 

Flower Color

White

 

Flower Season

Summer

 

Leaf Color

Green, White, Variegated

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Half, Shade

 

Water

High

 

Growth Rate

Fast

 

Soil Type

Clay, Loam

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Well-drained, Moist

 

Soil pH

Neutral

 

Adverse Factors

Invasive

Design Styles

Water Garden

 

Accenting Features

Unusual Foliage

 

Seasonal Interest

Spring, Summer

 

Location Uses

n/a

 

Special Uses

Container

 

Attracts Wildlife

n/a

Information by: Stephanie Duer
Photographer: wrong photo

  • Description

  • Notes

Ribbon grass is a spreading grass that grows 2 to 3 feet, with its plumes appearing 12 to 18 inches above the foliage. Blades are green with white variegation and flower plumes are white and appear in June. Plants bleach to beige with the first frost. This is a very aggressive grass and careful thought should be given in its placement in the garden.
Grows best in half-sun to light shade, in fertile soil. The white foliage will burn in the summer heat, so plant it where it will receive mid-day shade. It will tolerate a fair amount of moisture, so would be appropriate planted by a water feature where it would benefit from the extra water. This is a spreading grass that can be aggressive, so confine it with drainage tiles or plant in containers. Avoid it's use along riparian corridor areas or in wildland interface areas. Mow in spring.