Ribbon grass, also known as reed canary grass, is an attractive ornamental grass with graceful, arching foliage. With proper care and optimal growing conditions, ribbon grass can add texture, color, and visual interest to gardens and landscapes. This comprehensive guide provides key tips and advice for successfully growing ribbon grass.
Selecting the Right Ribbon Grass Variety
Ribbon grass refers to a few different ornamental grass cultivars in the genus Phalaris. The most popular varieties grown in gardens include:
- Picta – Features green leaves striped in white or cream. This is one of the most widely available ribbon grass varieties.
- Strawberries and Cream – Has leaves striped in pink and white, resembling the colors of strawberries and cream.
- Gardener’s Garters – Displays slender green leaves banded in white with tinges of pink on the edges.
- Feesey’s Form – A dwarf variety that only reaches 8-12 inches tall. It has creamy white and green striped leaves.
Consider the mature size, hardiness zone range, sunlight needs, and ornamental features of each variety to select one suitable for your landscape.
Choosing the Right Planting Location
When picking a planting spot for ribbon grass, consider the following factors:
Sun Exposure
- Ribbon grass thrives in full sun locations with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Areas that receive some afternoon shade are also acceptable.
- Varieties with brighter white or cream variegation may need some afternoon shade to prevent leaf scorching.
Soil
- Ribbon grass grows best in moist, fertile, well-draining loam soils rich in organic matter. Clay loam or sandy loam soils amended with compost also work well.
- Avoid planting ribbon grass in dense, soggy, poorly drained soils which can lead to fungal problems.
USDA Hardiness Zones
- Check the hardiness zone rating for your ribbon grass variety. Most are hardy in zones 4-9. Select varieties suitable for your zone.
- Provide winter mulching in colder zones for added insulation and to prevent frost heaving.
Spacing
- Allow at least 2-3 feet between each ribbon grass plant to account for mature spread. Dwarf varieties can be spaced 1-2 feet apart.
Planting Ribbon Grass
Ribbon grass can be planted from container-grown transplants, bare root divisions, or seed. Follow these tips for successful planting:
When to Plant
- Spring or fall are ideal planting times for container and bare root ribbon grass. This allows time to establish deep roots before heat or cold stress.
- Direct sow seeds outdoors in late spring after the last frost date once soils have warmed to at least 60°F.
Planting Procedure
- Prepare the planting beds by loosening soil and mixing in 2-4 inches of compost or well-rotted manure. Smooth and firm the soil after amendment.
- Dig holes twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball for transplants and divisions.
- Carefully remove plants from containers, tease out any circling roots, and place into holes. Root divisions should sit at soil level.
- Fill holes with soil, firming gently around plants to remove air pockets. Water thoroughly after planting.
Direct Sowing
- Sow seeds just below the soil surface. Gently press to adhere seeds to the soil and water gently with a fine mist.
- Cover newly sown areas with a thin layer of straw mulch to retain moisture during germination.
- Thin seedlings to proper spacing once they reach 3-4 inches tall.
Caring for Ribbon Grass
To keep ribbon grass looking its best, provide proper care throughout the seasons:
Watering
- Supply ribbon grass with 1-2 inches of water per week from rain or irrigation, adjusting for weather.
- Avoid overwatering, which promotes root rot. Allow soil to partially dry between waterings.
- Increase water in extreme summer heat and reduce in cooler weather.
Fertilizing
- Fertilize actively growing ribbon grass every 4-6 weeks using a balanced 10-10-10 granular fertilizer or one for ornamental grasses.
- Discontinue fertilizer after August to discourage new growth vulnerable to winter damage.
- In early spring, apply a complete organic fertilizer to boost establishment and growth.
Pruning
- Prune out any dead, damaged, or diseased foliage as needed to maintain an attractive appearance.
- After winter, cut back ribbon grass to 4-6 inches to remove old growth and make way for spring regrowth.
Weeding and Mulching
- Apply 2-3 inches of shredded bark, leaves, straw or other organic mulch around plants to conserve moisture, reduce weeds and feed the soil as it decomposes.
- Hand pull weeds taking care not to disturb shallow grass roots. Avoid using herbicides.
Dividing
- Divide congested ribbon grass plants every 3-5 years in spring or fall. This helps rejuvenate growth.
- Use a shovel to divide plants, ensuring each division has plenty of roots. Replant divisions in prepared beds.
Troubleshooting Ribbon Grass Issues
Proper care minimizes problems, but ribbon grass may encounter:
Poor or No Growth
This can occur from overcrowding, excess shade, poor drainage, under fertilizing, or cold damage. Address underlying causes to encourage new growth.
Leaf Scalding
Variegated varieties can scorch in intense sun. Provide afternoon shade or plant in partly shaded spots to prevent.
Fungal diseases
Issues like rust, leaf spot, and root rot develop from overwatering or wet conditions. Allow soil to dry between waterings to prevent.
Pests
Aphids, caterpillars, mites and beetles may infest plants. Use organic insecticidal soap, neem oil or remove pests by hand.
Winter Damage
Harsh winter weather can damage or kill plants. Mulch for insulation, select hardy varieties for your zone, and delay pruning until spring to minimize problems.
FAQs About Growing Ribbon Grass
What is the best way to start growing ribbon grass?
Planting from container-grown plants or divisions is the fastest and most reliable way to get ribbon grass established in your garden. This provides an actively growing plant that will spread quickly. Starting from seed is slower but more budget-friendly.
How do I winterize my ribbon grass?
To protect ribbon grass through winter, stop fertilizing by late summer and cut plants back to a few inches above soil level after the first hard frost. Apply a 2-4 inch layer of mulch over the crown of plants to insulate roots and prevent frost heaving.
Why are the leaves on my ribbon grass turning brown?
If ribbon grass leaves are turning brown at the tips or along the edges, it is likely caused by dry soil conditions or excessive sun. Ensure plants receive 1-2 inches of water weekly and consider moving pots or planting areas into partial shade if leaf scorching is a problem.
How do I get ribbon grass to grow thicker?
To fill out bare spots and encourage thicker growth, fertilize plants with a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. Prune any dead or damaged foliage, remove weeds competing for resources, and divide overcrowded plants. Good sunlight, well-drained soil, and adequate moisture also promote lush, full growth.
Can ribbon grass grow in full shade?
Ribbon grass requires a minimum of 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily to thrive. While it can tolerate partial shade, growth will be weaker and foliage more sparse without sufficient sun exposure. Variegated varieties need even more sun to maintain their coloration. Full shade is not recommended.
Is ribbon grass deer resistant?
The stiff foliage and fibrous nature of ribbon grass makes it unappealing to deer and other browsing animals. Ribbon grass is considered deer resistant and can be planted freely even in areas with high deer traffic. It can serve as an attractive screen to also protect more tender plants.
Achieving an Abundant Ribbon Grass Display
With proper variety selection for your region, ideal growing conditions, attentive care, and troubleshooting when necessary, it is easy to achieve a beautiful ribbon grass display. This ornamental grass makes a graceful statement in beds, borders, containers, and beyond. Allow it to grow undisturbed once established so the flowing, arching foliage can reach its full beauty. Sit back and enjoy the eye-catching, fluid movement of ribbon grass as it sways in the breeze!