Phalaris, commonly known as Canary Grass or Ribbon Grass, with a gardener-focused approach, and no metric measurements:

What Makes Phalaris So Special?

Phalaris arundinacea, specifically the variegated cultivar 'Picta' (Ribbon Grass), is best known for its striking, striped foliage. The bright white and green stripes provide a bold, vertical accent in the garden. It is a very vigorous, fast-growing grass that can be useful for quickly filling in spaces. However, and this is a major caveat, it is extremely aggressive and invasive in many regions. Its special quality – the striking variegation – is overshadowed by its invasive tendencies, making it a plant that requires very careful consideration and management.

Description

• Growth Habit: Rhizomatous, spreading perennial grass. It spreads rapidly by underground rhizomes, forming dense colonies.
• Height: Typically, 2-3 feet tall, sometimes taller.
• Foliage: The main feature. Long, linear leaves (blades) with bold vertical stripes of green and white (in the 'Picta' cultivar). There are also fewer common cultivars.
• Flowers: Airy panicles (branched flower clusters) of greenish or purplish flowers appear in summer, but they are not particularly showy.

Details Gardeners Care About

• Sunlight: Full sun to part shade. The variegation is best in full sun.
• Soil: Tolerates a wide range of soil types, including wet, poorly drained soils. This adaptability contributes to its invasiveness.
• Water: Prefers moist soil, but it can tolerate periods of drought once established.
• Hardiness: Very hardy, typically in USDA zones 4-9.
• Invasiveness: Extremely invasive in many regions, particularly in moist areas and wetlands. It outcompetes native plants and can form dense monocultures.
• Deer Resistance: Generally considered deer-resistant.

Native Habitat

Phalaris arundinacea is native to:

• Europe
• Asia
• North America (there is debate about whether some populations are native or introduced)

It is often found in:

• Wet meadows
• Marshes
• Along streams and rivers
• Ditches
• Other moist areas

Landscaping Design Tips

• Containers: The safest way to grow Phalaris arundinacea 'Picta' is in containers, where its spread can be controlled.
• Controlled Areas: If planting in the ground, only do so in areas where its spread can be strictly contained, such as between pavement and a building foundation.
• Erosion Control (Use with extreme caution): It has been used for erosion control, but this is generally not recommended due to its invasiveness. There are much better, non-invasive options.
• Dry Areas It can be used to fill spaces in very dry areas, or areas with poor soil where nothing else will grow.

Absolutely avoid planting it near natural areas, wetlands, or waterways.

Planting and Care

• Planting Time: Spring or fall.
• Spacing: If planting in the ground (again, use extreme caution), space plants 2-3 feet apart.
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth they were growing in their nursery pots.
• Watering: Water regularly until established.
• Mulching: Mulch can help retain moisture and suppress weeds (though it will not stop the spread of the rhizomes).
• Fertilizing: Generally, does not need fertilizer.
• Pruning: Cut back the foliage to the ground in late winter or early spring.
• Division: Can be divided in spring or fall, but this is rarely necessary due to its rapid spread.
• Containment: Essential! Use physical barriers (like deep edging) to prevent the rhizomes from spreading. Regularly monitor and remove any escaping shoots.

Taxonomy (Simplified)

• Genus: Phalaris
• Species: arundinacea
• Cultivar: 'Picta' (Ribbon Grass) is the most common variegated form.
• Family: Poaceae (Grass family)

Morphology (Simplified)

• Stems: Erect, hollow stems (culms).
• Leaves: Linear, flat, with prominent parallel veins. The 'Picta' cultivar has bold white and green stripes.
• Flowers: Dense, spike-like panicles of small, greenish or purplish flowers.
• Roots: Extensive, spreading rhizomes.

Other Insights

• Invasiveness (The Most Important Point): Phalaris arundinacea 'Picta' is listed as an invasive species in many parts of North America and elsewhere. It can aggressively displace native vegetation and disrupt ecosystems.
• Alternatives: There are many beautiful, non-invasive ornamental grasses that are much better choices for the garden, such as Calamagrostis, Panicum, Schizachyrium, and Muhlenbergia. Consider these instead.
• Wildlife Value: While it can provide some cover for wildlife, its invasive nature outweighs any potential benefits in most cases.
• Hay Fever: The pollen can cause allergies.

In summary, Phalaris arundinacea 'Picta' (Ribbon Grass) is a visually striking grass with bold, variegated foliage. However, its extreme invasiveness makes it a very problematic plant for most gardens. It should only be grown in containers or in highly controlled situations where its spread can be absolutely prevented. There are many beautiful, non-invasive alternatives that are much better choices for the vast majority of gardeners. The risks of this plant escaping and causing ecological damage are simply too great. Unless you have a specific, highly controlled situation, it is best to avoid this plant altogether.