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What's this variegated grass?

WiltshireWildWiltshireWild Posts: 64
in Plants
Does anyone know what this grass is? It grows to around 1 foot and spreads quite vigorously. 


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  • BiljeBilje Posts: 811
    It looks like my Phalaris Arundinacea common name here in the NE is Gardeners Garters. Mine was in a border and grew over 2 feet tall so maybe yours is either restricted as it’s in a pot OR of course it’s something different. To be honest I found it a complete thug as it “ran” all over and we ended up digging it out.  
  • CeresCeres Posts: 2,698
    I'll second that. I've noticed phalaris tends to grow bigger once it gets its roots down.
  • WiltshireWildWiltshireWild Posts: 64
    I see. My Dad gave it to me. Is it worth planting or perhaps not?? My garden is small and densly planted. I have lots of shady dry spots too and was hoping it could be a good "filler-inner" and ground cover. 
  • CeresCeres Posts: 2,698
    It's a thug but if you are willing to keep it under control, it looks good. I have it in my garden.
  • B3B3 Posts: 27,505
    I like it but you have to keep an eye on it even in heavy clay. But I  think it's  worth it 
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    Yes a beautiful thug but lovely with silver birch. 
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • plant pauperplant pauper Posts: 6,904
    GardenerSuze said:
    Yes a beautiful thug but lovely with silver birch. 
    Another one for the list! 🤓
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    It's very thuggish up here. Be careful what you wish for...
    Might be ok if it's drier soil though. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    edited August 2023
    @Fairygirl @plant pauper Yes I have dealt with it where it had been planted in a gravel garden where the soil was clay. It's roots had travelled across the garden about four feet along.
    I worked in a garden that was very free draining, the soil blew up like dust in the summer. Phalaris grew around a Birch and the effect was stunning. On  the positive it was always easy to dig some out. You could often stand on the soil in the winter without damaging it's structure. 
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I know a few people [including my sister!] who have planted it - and really regretted it due it's thuggish nature. It's even worse on this side of the country. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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