Phalaris 'Strawberries and Cream'
Phalaris 'Strawberries and Cream' is a striking ornamental grass grown for its creamy white and soft pink variegated foliage that adds a bright accent to the landscape. Its spreading habit and colorful blades create a lively presence in garden beds and containers, especially in areas where consistent moisture supports its best growth.
Height & Spread: 12 - 18 in x 18 - 24 in
Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Soil Preference: Moist to wet soil; tolerates a range of soil types
Watering Needs: Moderate to high; prefers consistently moist conditions
Deer Resistance: Deer resistant
Native Status
This variegated form of Phalaris arundinacea is a cultivated selection of a species that is native to parts of North America and Eurasia. While the species has native populations, this ornamental cultivar is primarily grown for its foliage and is not considered a true native plant in landscape use.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Birds
- Provides light cover and shelter for small birds and can contribute to habitat structure in garden settings.
Wildlife
- Offers cover for small mammals and contributes to a more naturalized planting when used in moist areas.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 18 - 24 in apart to allow its spreading habit to fill in while maintaining control in the landscape.
Landscape Placement
- Best used in moist borders, rain gardens, or containers where its bright variegation can stand out against darker foliage.
Companion Plants
- Calamagrostis acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' (Feather Reed Grass) - Adds upright structure that contrasts with the spreading variegated foliage.
- Carex oshimensis 'Evergold' (Sedge) - Echoes the variegation while offering a finer more controlled texture.
- Iris versicolor (Blue Flag Iris) - Provides bold seasonal flowers and thrives in similar moist conditions.
- Ligularia dentata 'Desdemona' (Leopard Plant) - Introduces large foliage and bold texture alongside the lighter grass blades.
- Astilbe chinensis 'Visions' (Astilbe) - Brings soft plumes and thrives in the same consistently moist environments.