Description
Phalaris arundinacea var. picta, known as gardener's garters or ribbon grass, is the white-striped garden form of native reed canary-grass. Its leaves are striped white, pale green and dark green.
Gardener's garters at a glance
| Botanical name |
Phalaris arundinacea var. picta |
| Common name |
Gardener's garters, ribbon grass |
| Plant type |
Spreading ornamental grass; dies back in winter |
| Height and spread |
About 60 cm–1 m tall; spreads widely |
| Flowers |
Pale green plumes in summer; not showy |
| Position |
Full sun or part shade |
| Soil |
Damp to boggy soil; tolerates a wide range |
| Pond depth |
None – wet soil at the pond edge (nurseries allow up to 10 cm of water) |
| Hardiness |
RHS H7 – very hardy (below -20°C) |
| Native to |
Garden form of the UK native reed canary-grass |
Is gardener's garters invasive?
It is very vigorous. The RHS says it forms an extensive colony and can become a nuisance, and nurseries describe it as invasive and hard to remove once established. Grow it in a solid basket or a large pot, not loose in a border or natural pond.
How to plant and care for it
Plant in spring in damp to wet ground. In early summer, cut back all but the new shoots to refresh the stripes.
Is it poisonous?
The RHS Plants shop lists it as toxic if eaten and as a skin and eye irritant. Keep it away from grazing animals.
Which size should I buy?
Bare-root plants (7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive without a pot or compost and are the most economical way to plant a group. Potted plants (9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive growing in our peat-free compost and give a faster display. Packs of 3 come in 7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre bare-root sizes and cost less per plant. The 2x Pot & Compost option is two plants supplied with pots and compost.
