Phalaris arundinacea, commonly known as reed canary grass or ribbon grass, is a perennial ornamental grass prized for its attractive foliage. Varieties like ‘Feesey’ offer striking variegated leaves, often striped with white, pale green, and sometimes tinged with pink. It can serve practical purposes such as erosion control. Its upright growth habit and ability to form dense stands make it a versatile choice for various garden designs.
Understanding Phalaris Arundinacea
Its extensive rhizomatous root system allows Phalaris arundinacea to spread rapidly, forming dense, impenetrable mats just below the soil surface. Each rhizome can extend horizontally by over 3 meters per year, with dormant buds ready to sprout if the above-ground growth is removed. This vigorous growth enables it to quickly dominate areas, often outcompeting native vegetation.
The plant adapts to a wide range of environmental conditions. It is a cool-season perennial grass, thriving in cooler temperatures and often emerging early in spring, giving it a head start over many other species. Its efficient reproductive strategies, through both seeds and rhizomes, contribute to its widespread distribution across various temperate regions.
Essential Growing Requirements
Phalaris arundinacea prefers full sun exposure but can tolerate partial shade. For optimal growth, at least six hours of direct sunlight daily is recommended. In hotter climates, partial shade can help prevent the foliage from becoming sun-scorched during mid-summer.
The grass is highly adaptable to a variety of soil types, including clay, loam, and sand. While it prefers moist, well-drained conditions, it exhibits a high tolerance for wet, or even boggy, soils and can even grow as an aquatic plant. It can thrive across a broad pH range, from mildly acidic to alkaline soils, between 4.5 and 8.5.
Consistent moisture is beneficial for Phalaris arundinacea, especially during its establishment phase. Although it prefers wet conditions, it demonstrates moderate drought tolerance once mature. This species is exceptionally cold hardy, capable of withstanding temperatures as low as -39°C, and is suitable for a wide range of hardiness zones, USDA zones 4 to 9.
Ongoing Care and Management
Pruning Phalaris arundinacea helps maintain its appearance and can manage its size. Cutting back dead or damaged foliage in late fall or early spring encourages fresh new growth and keeps the plant tidy. For variegated varieties, trimming back all but the youngest shoots in early summer can enhance the vibrancy of the foliage by promoting new, boldly striped blades. If the foliage appears sun-scorched in hot summer areas, mowing the plant to the ground can prompt a rapid flush of new growth within two weeks.
This grass generally requires minimal to no fertilization due to its naturally vigorous growth. Excessive fertilization can stimulate unwanted spread and lead to overly lush growth that may not harden off properly before cold weather. If additional nutrients are desired, applying a layer of compost in spring can provide sufficient sustenance without encouraging aggressive expansion.
Controlling the spread of Phalaris arundinacea is crucial, as it can quickly become invasive. One effective method is to install deep physical barriers, such as root barriers or buried edging, to contain its rhizomatous growth. Container planting is another practical solution, either in pots above ground or in bottomless containers submerged into the soil, to restrict lateral expansion.
Regular division of established clumps in mid-spring to midsummer can also help manage its spread. Strategic planting in locations where its spread can be easily monitored, such as along natural water features for erosion control, is another option.