Guide to growing garden plants - Phalaris Ribbon Grass
Phalaris grasses may be grown as ornamental plants in the garden.
Phalaris may be either hardy annuals or perennials and vary in height from 45 to 90cm.
They carry grass like flowers in the summer, and have somewhat attractive striped green and white leaves.
Some common names for Phalaris include Ribbon Grass, Canary grass and Gardener's Garters.
How to grow Ribbon Grass
It is best to sow Ribbon grass seeds outdoors. They can be sown about 30 to 60cm apart, either before the first frost of winter or at the start of spring. Once sown lightly cover the ribbon grass seed. For best results grow ribbon grasses in a sunny part of the garden; it is also able to grow in lightly shaded areas. Ribbon grass thrives in a rich and moist soil.
Caring for Ribbon grass and other Phalaris plants
Ribbon grass and other Phalaris are fairly easy to look after. The moister the soil the more they grow, so water regularly until they have reached the desired coverage. Perennial species of Phalaris should be cut back at the start of spring and divided very five years. If you require more plants then propagate annuals from harvested seed (or allow to self seed in situ) and perennials by division of the root stock in the springtime.