Phalaris arundinacea - Reed Canary Grass

<p style="text-align: justify"><strong><em>Phalaris arundinacea</em> is more commonly known as reed canary grass</strong>, but it also goes by many other vernacular names such as False Canary Grass or Baldingère.</p> <p style="text-align: justify">This plant from the Poaceae family is<strong> a vigorous perennial grass with running rhizomes</strong>.<strong> This remarkable groundcover grass spreads quickly to form a beautiful and effective carpet</strong>. However, be careful not to leave it unattended, as it can become invasive if conditions are favourable, especially in the case of the typical species. It will be necessary to control its growth, particularly in moist soil.</p> <p style="text-align: justify"><strong>Its ornamental appeal is undeniable</strong>, especially for the varieties<strong> <em>Phalaris arundinacea</em> 'Picta' with cream-margined leaves</strong>, which are very bright in partial shade, or<strong> 'Pure Gold', with compact golden culms</strong>. Phalaris is a perennial grass that quickly adds<strong> light, volume, and verticality to borders of perennials or bushes, under large trees, or in groups among other grasses.</strong> Reed canary grass thrives in many situations in a natural or slightly wild garden. And <strong>it can even be grown in pots.</strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify"><strong>Reed canary grass also allows</strong> for the stabilization of slopes or banks<strong> along a river or natural pond, thanks to its rhizomes</strong>. <strong><em>Phalaris arundinacea</em> is also an outstanding purifying plant</strong>, widely used for the creation of lagoons.</p> <p style="text-align: justify">Phalaris is truly <strong>low-maintenance in terms of soil and is also very hardy</strong> (withstanding temperatures down to -30 °C). This plant also has an excellent (and surprising when you know its ecology!) <strong>tolerance to summer drought</strong>. It does not suffer in heavy, clayey soils and is unconcerned about potential competition from the roots of trees and shrubs. In short, it is a truly versatile perennial groundcover!</p> [caption id="attachment_112568" align="aligncenter" width="1172"]<img class="size-full wp-image-112568" src="https://www.promessedefleurs.com/blogwp/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Phalaris-arundinacea-Bat.jpg" alt="Phalaris, shepherd's ribbon, false canary grass" width="1172" height="581" /> Phalaris arundinacea (© Bat)[/caption]