Overview
Phalaris arundinacea 'Picta' (P.a. 'Elegantissima') is a perennial grass in the genus Phalaris, part of the Poaceae family. It typically grows around 1.5 m tall. Phalaris arundinacea 'Picta' (P.a. 'Elegantissima') grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include ornamental edging, ground cover and container planting. It is native to Europe, Asia and North America.
About
Phalaris arundinacea 'Picta' (P.a. 'Elegantissima') is a perennial grass grown for ornamental planting and typically reaches about 1.5 m. It favours full sun and tolerates a wide range of soils from sandy to clay, including wet ground. Flowers appear from June to August. Use it for edging, as a ground cover or in containers where moisture is available.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Phalaris arundinacea
In the garden
Native to Europe, Asia and North America, Phalaris arundinacea 'Picta' (P.a. 'Elegantissima') is a perennial grass selected for garden use. Plants reach roughly 1.5 m and produce flowers between June and August. It performs in full sun and will tolerate sandy, loamy or clay soils provided they are well-drained to wet. Position the plant where consistent moisture is possible; it accepts moist to wet soil conditions better than many ornamental grasses. The cultivar copes with full sun exposure and carries a UK hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy across British gardens. For readers outside the UK, USDA zones are 4–9. Practical uses include formal or informal edging, ground cover runs and container planting on patios or terraces where soil moisture can be maintained. Plants can be sited at the back of mixed beds or along damp borders where a taller grass form is useful. Expect visible flowering in mid to late summer, from June to August.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Phalaris
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained, Moist but well-drained, Wet
- Exposure
- Full sun
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Phalaris arundinacea 'Picta' (P.a. 'Elegantissima') size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial grass
- Height
- 1.5 m
- Suggested uses
- Ornamental edging, ground cover, container planting
- Native to
- Europe, Asia, North America
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Phalaris arundinacea 'Picta' (P.a. 'Elegantissima')
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, well-drained soils; tolerates wet conditions; can spread aggressively
- Pruning
- Cut back in early spring to encourage fresh growth
- Propagation
- Division in spring or autumn; seed propagation less common
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Phalaris arundinacea 'Picta' (P.a. 'Elegantissima')?
Prefers moist, well-drained soils; tolerates wet conditions; can spread aggressively.
Where is the best place to plant Phalaris arundinacea 'Picta' (P.a. 'Elegantissima')?
Phalaris arundinacea 'Picta' (P.a. 'Elegantissima') prefers full sun. It suits full sun positions.
What soil does Phalaris arundinacea 'Picta' (P.a. 'Elegantissima') need?
Phalaris arundinacea 'Picta' (P.a. 'Elegantissima') is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained to wet.
How do I prune Phalaris arundinacea 'Picta' (P.a. 'Elegantissima')?
Cut back in early spring to encourage fresh growth.
How big does Phalaris arundinacea 'Picta' (P.a. 'Elegantissima') grow?
Phalaris arundinacea 'Picta' (P.a. 'Elegantissima') reaches a height of 1.5 m.
Is Phalaris arundinacea 'Picta' (P.a. 'Elegantissima') hardy in the UK?
Phalaris arundinacea 'Picta' (P.a. 'Elegantissima') has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Phalaris arundinacea 'Picta' (P.a. 'Elegantissima')?
Division in spring or autumn; seed propagation less common.