Phalaris, Ribbon Grass 'Strawberries and Cream'

Other Names: Canary Grass

Description:

Pretty green and white leaves, pinkish in spring; Aggressive grower, less so in shade

Ornamental Features

Strawberries And Cream Ribbon Grass' attractive grassy leaves emerge pink in spring, turning green in color with prominent white stripes and tinges of pink. The foliage often turns tan in fall. Neither the flowers nor the fruit are ornamentally significant.

Landscape Attributes

Strawberries And Cream 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 high maintenance plant that will require regular care and upkeep, and can be pruned at anytime. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Invasive

Strawberries And Cream Ribbon Grass is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Groundcover
• Naturalizing And Woodland Gardens
• Container Planting

Planting & Growing

Strawberries And Cream Ribbon Grass will grow to be about 3 feet 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.

This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. It is quite adaptable, prefering to grow in average to wet conditions, and will even tolerate some standing water. 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.

Strawberries And Cream Ribbon Grass is a fine choice for the garden, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor pots and containers. With its upright habit of growth, it is best suited for use as a 'thriller' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination; plant it near the center of the pot, surrounded by smaller plants and those that spill over the edges. Note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden. Be aware that in our climate, most plants cannot be expected to survive the winter if left in containers outdoors, and this plant is no exception. Contact our store for more information on how to protect it over the winter months.

* Not all container sizes may be available at this time. See store for details on specific container size availability.