The Ribbon Grass plant, Phalaris arundinacea ‘Picta’, is a popular ornamental perennial grass renowned for its striking variegated foliage. Native to temperate regions, this hardy plant brings bright, contrasting color and fine texture to landscapes. Growing 2 to 3 feet tall, it forms dense clumps of upright, arching leaves, making it a distinctive feature in garden beds and along pathways.

Its most distinctive characteristic is its long, blade-like leaves, beautifully striped with creamy white or pale yellow margins against a rich green center. This vibrant variegation provides year-round visual interest, brightening shadier spots and adding a crisp, clean look. While it may produce insignificant flower spikes, the foliage remains its primary appeal, creating a graceful, flowing display in various settings.

Ribbon Grass is exceptionally adaptable and low-maintenance, thriving in full sun to partial shade and tolerating various soil conditions. Due to its vigorous, rhizomatous spreading habit, it’s often best planted where growth can be contained, such as in pots or with root barriers. It serves as an effective groundcover, border plant, or accent in water gardens, offering reliable beauty.