Phalaris arundinacea var. picta 'Arctic Sun' (Reed canary grass 'Arctic Sun')

Botanical name

Phalaris arundinacea var. picta 'Arctic Sun'

Other names

Reed canary grass 'Arctic Sun', Gardener's garters 'Arctic Sun'

Genus

Phalaris Phalaris

Variety or Cultivar

'Arctic Sun' _ 'Arctic Sun' is an erect, spreading, semi-evergreen perennial grass with flat, linear, upright to arching, yellow and green striped leaves. Narrow panicles of golden-yellow spikelets bloom in early and midsummer.

Foliage

Semi evergreen

Habit

Erect, Spreading

Toxicity

Toxic to animals. Reports on toxicity to humans are contradictory.

Colour

Flower

Golden-yellow in Summer

Foliage

Green, Yellow, Variegated, Striped in All seasons

General care

Pruning

Cut back any dead foliage in late winter/early spring. May revert to plain green after midsummer so cut down all but new young shoots in early summer to encourage fresh growth.

Propagation methods

Division

Monthly care advice

Where to grow

Phalaris arundinacea var. picta 'Arctic Sun' (Reed canary grass 'Arctic Sun') will reach a height of 0.75m and a spread of 0.75m after 2-5 years.

Suggested uses

Architectural, Beds and borders, City, Containers, Cottage/Informal, Ground Cover, Waterside

Cultivation

Grow in any soil in full sun or partial shade. Site carefully as may become invasive. May be planted at water's edge or up to 2cm of water.

Soil type

Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)

Soil drainage

Moist but well-drained, Moisture-retentive, Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Partial Shade, Full Sun

Aspect

South, East, West

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4)

USDA zones

Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5, Zone 4