Phalaris arundinacea ‘Picta’, commonly known as Strawberries and Cream Ribbon Grass, is an ornamental grass with distinctive variegated foliage. It features a blend of green and white stripes, often with charming pinkish tints that become more pronounced in cooler temperatures or with ample sunlight.
Understanding Strawberries and Cream Ribbon Grass
Strawberries and Cream Ribbon Grass is a vigorous cultivar of reed canary grass, Phalaris arundinacea. This perennial grass typically reaches 18 inches to 4 feet tall and spreads 2 to 5 feet wide, forming a dense colony. While clumping, it spreads aggressively via underground rhizomes.
Its narrow, arching leaves exhibit striking white, pale green, and dark green stripes, with new growth often emerging pink in spring. This “strawberries and cream” effect is most vibrant with sufficient sunlight. As a cool-season grass, its primary growth occurs in early spring and again as temperatures cool in the fall. It is hardy in USDA Zones 4 through 9.
Cultivating and Caring for Your Ribbon Grass
Strawberries and Cream Ribbon Grass adapts to various light conditions, from full sun to partial shade. Full sun enhances the pink coloration; however, it tolerates some shade, which may result in less vibrant coloring.
This grass is adaptable to soil, performing well in well-draining conditions but also tolerating consistently moist or wet areas. It thrives in various soil types, including clay, sand, and loam, and is not particular about soil pH. Watering needs are moderate; established plants tolerate some drought, but regular watering during dry spells maintains its appearance. It can even grow in several inches of standing water, making it suitable for bog gardens or pond edges.
Fertilization is typically minimal. In rich soil, it may not require additional nutrients. For leaner soils, a balanced slow-release fertilizer applied in spring can support its growth, but avoid over-fertilizing. To maintain tidiness and encourage fresh, colorful growth, cut back dead foliage in late winter or early spring before new shoots appear. If the plant appears scraggly, it can be cut back to promote a flush of new foliage.
Managing Its Spread and Aggressiveness
While aesthetically pleasing, Strawberries and Cream Ribbon Grass is known for its vigorous and aggressive spreading habit. It spreads rapidly through an extensive system of underground rhizomes, which can quickly colonize large areas. This makes it difficult to eradicate once established, as even small root segments can sprout new plants.
To manage its spread, planting in containers is an effective strategy. Sturdy pots, either above ground or sunk into the soil, can restrict rhizome growth. Ensure drainage holes are not in direct contact with the ground to prevent escape. Alternatively, physical root barriers, such as plastic or metal edging, should be buried at least 12 to 18 inches deep around the planting area to contain its rhizomes.
Regular division every few years helps control the plant’s size and vigor. Removing unwanted spreading sections prevents it from overtaking desirable plants. It is advisable to select planting sites where its spread can be tolerated or where it will not outcompete less vigorous species. The parent species, reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea), is considered invasive in many regions, underscoring the need for proactive management of its variegated cultivar.