About
A vigorous perennial grass forming an extensive colony of erect stems to 60cm tall, bearing narrow leaves boldly striped with white, pale and dark green, and narrow pale green flowering panicles in summer.
About the genus
Phalaris can be annual or rhizomatous perennials grasses with relatively broadly linear leaves and small green flower spikelets in open panicles
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeGrass Like
HabitTufted
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Care notes
CultivationGrow in any soil in full sun or partial shade. Can spread quickly, so suited to covering large areas, but has the potential to become a nuisance and may need to be controlled
PruningTo keep the variegation, cut down all but the new young shoots in early summer to encourage fresh growth
PropagationPropagate by division from mid-spring to midsummer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free