About
Very vigorous perennial grass with a running rootstock, forming an extensive colony of upright stems, to 1.2m tall, bearing narrow, linear, bright white and green-striped leaves to 35cm long, somtimes suffused pink in cooler periods. Produces narrow panicles to 17cm long of pale green flower spikelets 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
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeGrass Like
HabitTufted
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 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. Can spread quickly, so suited to covering large areas, but 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