Phalaris

( FAL - uh - riss )

At-A-Glance Information

Commonly called Canary Grass, Ribbon Grass or Gardner's Garters, this genus includes species of perennial grasses which needs full sun to partial shade and regular water to perform well in the garden. These grasses are native to temperate and subtropical regions of the North America, Eurasia, and northern Africa. Species are typically hardy and spread aggressively in favorable growing environments. Flower clusters are airy and white, and foliage turns buff tones in fall. Grow these grasses for controlling erosion on slopes, along water margins or in damp borders, or as groundcover. They can also be used in rain gardens or bioswales. Take care when planting these grasses in the landscape, as some species are toxic to sheep and cattle if ingested.

Phalaris Species and Varietals

Phalaris is a genus in the plant family Poaceae, and includes between 18 and 22 accepted species. The plants in this genus are related to those in Agrostis (Bentgrass), Bamboos and Bromus (Brome Grasses). The best growing zones for Phalaris grasses are generally USDA hardiness zones 2-9, though this can vary somewhat depending on the species cultivated; see the descriptions below for more information. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Phalaris aquatica (Bulbous Canarygrass, Harding Grass, Hardinggrass, Toowoomba Grass)
This species forms an erect perennial bunchgrass with grey to blue-green foliage. Flowering heads are dense spikes that rise above foliage, typically 2-5 inches long. The species is native to southern Europe and the Caucasus. It is considered invasive in California, Oregon, and Australia.

Phalaris arundinacea (Reed Canary Grass, Gardeners-Garters, Ribbon Grass, Alpiste Roseau, Rohrglanzgras, Kusa-Yoshi, Caniço-Malhado, Hierba Cinta, Pasto Cinto)
This species is native to Europe, Asia, northern Africa, and North America, this species can reach up to 6.5 feet tall when mature. It produces green leaves, though cultivars have variegated foliage. Flower spikes are topped with loose inflorescences of white flowers. Reed Canary Grass is considered invasive in temperate regions of North America. Ornamental cultivars are listed and described below:

'Feesey's Form'
('Strawberries and Cream')
Cream-white and green striped foliage that emerge with a pinkish hue.

'Picta'
With white and green striped foliage.

'Woods Dwarf'
With bright white stripes on foliage.

Phalaris canariensis (Canary Grass, Birdseed Grass, Common Canary Grass, Annual Canary Grass)
These grasses produce erect hairless stems to 2 to 6 feet tall and has green leaf blades. Flowers are borne in dense clusters in spring and summer. This species is cultivated as a crop in Europe, northern Africa, and Mexico. It is also grown for bird seed. Annual Canary Grass is considered invasive in warm-temperate regions around the world.

Phalaris minor (Little Seed Canary Grass, Small-Seeded Canary Grass, Small Canary Grass, Lesser Canary-Grass, Guli Danda, Sittee Booti)
Native to north Africa, Europe, and south Asia, these bunchgrasses have naturalized in many areas of the world. They can reach up to 6 feet tall and produce spike-like panicles of white flowers in spring and summer. It is a grass commonly used for fodder or forage for livestock (though it is poisonous to some mammals) and birdseed. This species is considered invasive in Australia, South Africa, the Middle East, India, Pakistan, as well as California and the western regions of North America.

Caring for Phalaris

Take care when planting these grasses in the landscape, as some species are toxic to sheep and cattle if ingested. These plants will form spreading colonies over time via underground rhizome roots; if planting in a smaller garden or to simply curb this tendency, consider installing a heavy duty root barrier installed 12-18 inches deep and extending slightly above the soil line to prevent roots from jumping over. Plant Phalaris, or Reed Canary Grass, in a place in the landscape that receives full sun to partial shade; ideally, they appreciate between 6 and 8 hours of sun each day but appreciate some shade in the late afternoon when temperatures are at their peak. Ensure that soil is well-draining, rich in nutrients, and has a pH of between 4.8 and 7.5 (acidic to neutral). If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. Apply a layer of mulch around the planting area to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system in their new home. At maturity, these plants perform well in consistently moist soils; as a general rule of thumb, water whenever the top few inches of soil feels dry to the touch. Irrigation once or twice a week during the dry months of the year is sufficient.

Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. Pruning is simple; remove any damaged, diseased, or dead foliage at any time during the growing season, and remove spent flower spikes to neaten up the appearance of plants and encourage reblooms. Seed heads can also be left on their plants over the winter months to provide height and interest. In early springtime, cut back clumps low to the ground before new growth begins to rejuvenate for the season. Every few years, especially if these grasses are grown in containers or tight border areas, they will need to be divided to avoid becoming overcrowded. For instructions on how to successfully divide these grasses, consult the Propagation section below. There are annual and perennial species of Phalaris. Annual species are typically left in place after the growing season to enrich soil. Perennial species can survive in the landscape for 10 to 15 years before needing to be replaced. These plants will freely re-seed in the garden, and perennial species will spread via underground roots, providing new plants for the landscape indefinitely.

Caring for Phalaris in Containers
Phalaris is commonly grown in the ground, but can also be grown in containers on patios and walkways. Choose a large container that is at least a 5-gallon size to accommodate the plant's mature root ball. Ensure that the container has adequate drainage holes on the bottom to allow for excess water to flow away. Fill with a well-draining potting mix amended with organic material and perlite. Top soil with a layer of mulch to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and increase soil moisture retention. Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system in their new container. At maturity, they will need more water than their in-ground counterparts. As a general rule of thumb, water whenever the top two inches of soil feels dry to the touch. The appearance of these grasses can be improved by removing any dead growth in early springtime. Needs to be cut back to between 6 and 10 inches tall in late winter or early springtime at least every few years to encourage new foliage to grow and to keep plants growing vigorously. Every few years they will need to be divided to ensure ongoing health. For instructions on how to successfully divide Phalaris plants, see the Propagation section below.

Harvesting Phalaris
In addition to being ornamental additions to landscapes, these grasses are also cultivated for their cut flowers, which are used in both fresh and dried arrangements. They add airy texture and height, and are typically harvested in mid summer to early fall. Foliage color becomes most vibrant at this time of the year. Use a sharp, clean pair of pruning shears or snips to avoid damaging stems and prevent the spread of disease. Cut at the base of stems, and immediately drop them into a bucket of cool water. Fresh stems have a vase life of about two weeks. To dry stems, bunch them and hang them upside down in a cool, dark, dry area after harvesting. Once completely dried, handle with care to avoid breaking the brittle stems. They can be added to long-lasting dry bouquets, wreaths, or used in other floral crafts.

Propagation

Phalaris, or Reed Canary Grass, is best propagated by division or seed. To ensure that the propagated plant will have the exact same qualities and characteristics as the parent plant, use the division method. If you would like to experiment and see what plant you can grow from seed, just keep in mind that it will not necessarily be the same as the parent plant. To propagate these grasses, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Phalaris by Seed

Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, and a spray bottle. If you don't have any potting medium on hand, you can make some. The best potting medium for seed germination is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
Harvest your seeds. The seed heads on plants are pretty easy to spot, they're left behind after flowers have faded, and are typically held above the foliage on thin stems. Cut them off of the plant, placing them in a paper bag. Harvest as many as you can, and place the paper bag in a dry, cool, dark area. They will continue to release their seeds. Shake to assist in releasing more seeds, and then empty the bag's contents onto a tray or into a seed storage container. These seeds can be stored in an airtight container in a dark, cool, dry area for several years. The germination rate for Phalaris seeds is between 85% and 90% for fresh seeds.
Get your container prepared. Water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds on the soil surface and then cover them with a light dusting of more soil. Place the tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes 7-21 days from sowing.
Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 65 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when you can transplant it to its new home.
Alternatively, Phalaris seeds can be direct-sown into bare areas of the garden or dispersed in prairie or meadow-style beds. When direct-sowing Phalaris seeds, make sure to prep the area by removing existing unwanted vegetation and debris, and prepare and level soil by adding some compost over the top. If seeding in a high-traffic area, it is recommended that barriers or caution tape be put up to avoid trampling the tiny seedlings.

Propagating Phalaris by Division
This type of propagation is relatively simple; you will need a clean shovel, mulch, fresh soil, compost and pots (only necessary if you will be saving divided plants for transporting elsewhere). Division is best done in early spring or fall. To propagate by division, follow these steps:

Using a shovel, dig up your existing plant. Start from the outside and work your way in to avoid damaging the root(s). Once you have worked it up out of the ground, lay it out.
Separate the removed bunch of grass into sections using a sharp, clean knife or trowel. Ensure that each division has a healthy root system and a few shoots. Any dried out areas with dead roots can be tossed in the compost.
Prepare your pot(s) or new planting site(s) with well-draining soil and compost and rake it in. Water thoroughly, and then plant divisions.
Keep soil consistently moist as the newly-planted divisions establish strong root systems in their new home. Provide regular waterings, especially during dry spells.

Phalaris seed heads relax slightly and turn brown to tan when seeds are mature. They can hold between 50 and 200 seeds.

Phalaris seeds are tiny, lightweight, and shiny brown to yellowish.

Problems and Pests

Certain Phalaris species are considered invasive in some regions; see the species descriptions above for more information. Check with local authorities before planting. Phalaris grasses can be susceptible to developing issues with the following pests and diseases in the landscape: