Phalaris arundinacea var. picta
gardener's garters
- 3 × 9cm pots
- £27.99
- available to order from spring
- 1 litre aquatic pot
- £21.99
- available to order from spring
- 3 × 1 litre aquatic pots
- £34.99
- available to order from spring
- 3 litre aquatic pot
- £29.99
- available to order from spring
- 5 litre aquatic pot
- £39.99
- available to order from spring
Delivery options
- Standard £5.95
- Position: full sun or partial shade
- Soil: reliably moist or boggy soil but tolerates most
- Rate of growth: fast
- Flowering period: June to July
- Hardiness: fully hardy
A vigorous and robust perennial grass known for its striking foliage, Phalaris arundinacea var. picta features narrow leaves elegantly striped with white, pale, and dark green hues. While its pale green flower panicles are not the star of the show, the variegated blades provide visual appeal from spring through early summer. This grass spreads swiftly, forming expansive clumps, making it ideal for free-roaming sites or container cultivation, but bear in mind that it can be difficult to remove once it establishes and can be invasive. With that in mind, gardener’s garters serves as excellent ground cover, particularly along pond edges, where it aids in control.
Tolerant of a wide range of soil moistures, Phalaris thrives in boggy conditions. To maintain its variegation, prune back all but the new young shoots in early summer, encouraging vibrant new growth. In sunnier/drier periods, sun-scorching may occur in mid-summer, but a straightforward trimming, accompanied by deep watering, stimulates foliage rejuvenation within weeks.
- CAUTION toxic if eaten/skin & eye irritant