Growing Ribbon Grass: Tips at a Glance
Perennial ribbon grass (Phalaris) grows about 2 feet tall and spreads quickly, becoming invasive if not contained. Think of it as an attractive option for a container plant. Planting it in a garden can be trouble, and planting it in open spaces can choke out native wildflowers and grasses.
- Type Ornamental grass
- Lifespan Perennial
- USDA Zones 2-9
- Light Best behaved in shade
- Soil Well-drained soil
- Where to Plant Pond's edge
- Design Tip Container plant
- Companions Geraniums
- Peak season Cool months
Ribbon Grass: A Field Guide
Ribbon grass is attractive, but invasive, with fast-growing tendencies that make it a good choice for containers.
In a shady spot where nothing else will grow, perennial Phalaris grasses will be less prone to spreading and may be useful as ground cover, to stabilize a slope or to prevent erosion at the edge of a pond.
Depending on the cultivar, Phalaris grasses will thrive in a wide range of climates. They are native to Europe, Asia, and Africa, as well as to North America and can survive winters in USDA growing zones 2 to 9.
If you are looking for a mid-height ornamental grass to grow in wide swaths in a meadow garden or landscape, ribbon grass is probably not the best choice (consult a landscape designer for an expert’s opinion). Other ornamental grasses to consider include Calamagrostis (feather reed grass), Miscanthus (maiden grass), and Muhlenbergia (muhly grass). To see how different grasses look like in a landscape, see one of our favorite gardens at Vineyard Haven: A Napa Valley Garden That Belongs to the Land.
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