Phalaris arundinacea 'Feesey'

Phalaris arundinacea 'Feesey'...often sold under the better marketing name of Phalaris 'Strawberries and Cream' is a stunning variegated selection from British grass specialist, Mervyn Feesey. This stoloniferous ornamental grass makes an 8' wide groundcover to 2' tall in 5 years. While the green species can be an aggressive weed, we have grown this clone for twenty years with no problems and no seedlings. All phalaris spreads much faster in moist rich soils than in hot dry sites. In very hot climates, phalaris goes semi-dormant in summer. The patches of white and green striped leaves, tinged with a pink overlay in cool weather, are topped with short bronzy plumes in midsummer, but grow this for the foliage. Phalaris 'Feesey' is from European genetics but, so far, distinguishing it from the US genotypes has proven difficult. For a fresh appearance, we recommend cutting reed canary grass to the ground in late winter.