| Description | Strawberries and Cream (Phalaris arundinacea) is a variegated grass that develops a pink blush in cooler weather. It is highly aggressive and spreads by rhizomes. |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | (FAL-ah-ris)(a-run-din-ay-SEE-uh) |
| Plant Type | Perennials Hardy, Grass Ornamental |
| Hardiness Zone | 4-8 |
| Sunlight | full, mostly sunny, some shade |
| Moisture | average |
| Soil & Site | average |
| Temperature | cool season grass. |
| Flowers | Panicles of tiny flowers appear in early summer. |
| Fruit | caryopsis |
| Leaves | The narrow linear green to gray-green leaves have a lot of white. Many times, it is more white than green. Has a pinkish tinge in cool weather. |
| Dimensions | This plant spreads aggressively through its rhizomes and can reach a height of 2 feet with the flower stalk. |
| Maintenance | cut back in the fall |
| Propagation | division |
| Cultivar Origin | Named for Mervyn Freesey, a British horticulturist and grass specialist. |
| Misc Facts | The common names 'Strawberries and Cream' and Freesey Ribbon grass are interchangeable. |
| Author's Notes | This plant is very aggressive and spreads by rhizomes. Make sure it is used in a spot that can contain it, like an area between a sidewalk and the foundation of a house. |
| Notes & Reference | #222-The Encyclopedia of Grasses for Livable Landscapes (Rick Darke), #270-North Carolina Extention Gardener Tool Box (www.plants.ces.ncsu.edu/) |
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