About

Compact, perennial grass forming clumps of upright stems, about 75cm tall, bearing narrow, linear, leaves to 35cm long, fresh green and strongly striped with creamy-yellow, and in summer produces narrow panicles to 17cm long of pale green flower spikelets.

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
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7

Plant details

Plant typeGrass Like
HabitTufted
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spreadwider than 8 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden

Care notes

CultivationGrow in any soil in full sun or partial shade. Although a compact grower and less likely to move around than other cultivars, it has the potential to become a nuisance and may need to be controlled
PruningCut back dead foliage in spring
PropagationPropagate by division from mid-spring to midsummer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free