Phalaris arundinacea var. picta 'Strawberries and Cream' - Ribbon grass

🌿 Features

Type: Ornamental perennial grass
Common name: Gardener's Garters, Ribbon Grass
Scientific name: Phalaris arundinacea var. picta 'Strawberries and Cream'
Foliage color: Medium green with cream stripes and pink-red hues, creating a unique and spectacular bicolored effect
Flower color: Discrete pale to greenish spikes
Height at maturity: 0.60–1.20 m (2–4 ft)
Width at maturity: 0.45–0.75 m (1.5–2.5 ft)
Habit: Upright, forming airy and light clumps
Flowering period: June to July
Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Watering needs: Moderate, prefers moist soil
Soil type: Well-drained, fertile, tolerates moist soils
Hardiness zone: Zones 4 to 9
Drought tolerance: Moderate
Melliferous plant: No
Attracts pollinators: Yes, especially birds
Toxicity to animals: Non-toxic

✂️ Care

Plant in full sun to partial shade in well-drained, fertile soil. This grass appreciates moist soils and requires regular watering, especially during active growth periods. Cut back to the ground in spring before new growth emerges to maintain a compact shape and encourage dense, vibrant foliage.

This hardy perennial thrives with minimal maintenance and requires no winter protection. Valued for its spectacular variegated foliage with pink-cream hues and its light, airy habit, it is ideal for grass gardens, colorful borders, and contemporary landscape designs. Its striped foliage offers constant ornamental interest from spring to autumn, with shades that intensify in cooler weather.