Species reed canary grass Guide
long, narrow, spear-like, white-green leaves with green slender stems

reed canary grass

Phalaris arundinacea var. picta 'Picta'

Also Known As - ribbon grass

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 9

Flowers:

White to pale pink Flowers In Summer

Sun:

Full sun, Part sun/part shade

Soil:

Acidic, Bog, Humus rich

Fruits:

brown,tan Fruits In Summer Ready In Fall

Leaf:

Yes

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Moderate

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Moderate

watering

Reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea var. picta 'Picta') should be watered regularly, but avoid over-watering. Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry to the touch. During the spring and summer, this could mean watering 1-2 times per week. During the fall and winter, watering can be reduced to once every 2-4 weeks. Keep in mind that the soil should be moist but not wet, and any standing water should be avoided.

sunlight

Reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea var. picta 'Picta') is a warm season plant that prefers full sun and 8-10 hours of direct sunlight per day. It thrives in locations with bright, unobstructed sunlight and does best in hot climates, particularly areas with warmer summers. In cooler climates, it should be planted in early spring so that it can take advantage of the long days and high temperatures that summer brings. For optimal growth, the plant should be placed in a south-facing location to make sure it receives the most amount of sunlight possible. In shadier settings, reed canary grass can still grow, but it will be more susceptible to disease and may not reach its full potential.

pruning

Reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea var. picta 'Picta') is best pruned in the late spring, when new growth begins to appear. The timing will vary depending on the local climate, but typically this will be during the months of April or May. Pruning should be done to remove dead or diseased shoots, as well as to thin out some of the denser sections of the clump. The most important factor to consider when pruning is the health of the plant, and only remove a portion of the growth at a time; if too much is pruned, it can have a negative effect on the overall health of the plant.