Phalaris Feesey Form

Feesey Ribbon Grass

Phalaris arundinacea ‘Feesey’s Form’ — Feesey Ribbon Grass
Also sold as ‘Feesey’, ‘Feesey’s Variety’, ‘Mervyn Feesey’, or sometimes Strawberries and Cream, this variegated perennial grass forms bright clumps of narrow green-and-white striped foliage, often with pinkish tones in cool spring weather. It is smaller and showier than straight reed canary grass, but it still spreads by rhizomes and should be used carefully where it can be contained. Missouri Botanical Garden notes that ‘Feesey’ has more white in the leaves than ‘Picta’ and is somewhat smaller and less invasive.

Type: Perennial ornamental grass
Mature Size: 18–30 in. tall × 24–36 in. wide
USDA Zones: 4a–9b
Form: Upright to arching, clump-forming but rhizomatous/spreading
Light: Full sun to part shade; afternoon shade helps prevent leaf scorch in hot sites
Soil / Water: Average to moist soil; tolerates wet areas but spreads more aggressively in rich, damp soil
Bloom Time / Length: Late spring to early summer; narrow flower panicles are usually less ornamental than the foliage
Wildlife: Dense growth can provide cover, but spreading colonies may reduce nearby plant diversity if not controlled.

Features & Landscape Uses:
Best used as a bright foliage accent in contained beds, large pots, pond-edge planters, or places where its roots can be restricted. The white-striped foliage gives a cool, bold texture near hostas, sedges, dark-leaved perennials, or water features. Avoid planting it near wetlands, drainage ditches, natural areas, or open moist ground, because Phalaris arundinacea can form aggressive stands. NC State Extension describes reed canarygrass as invasive and capable of forming single-species stands along lakes, streams, and wet open areas.

Care:
Cut back old foliage in late winter or early spring. Divide or thin regularly to keep the clump fresh and controlled. Remove flower stems before seed matures if spread is a concern. For safest use, plant in a container or root-restricted area.

Plant type

Ornamental Grass

Height

24-36''

Width

18-30"

Hardiness zones

4–9

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Bloom time

Early Summer, Late Spring

Flower color

Brown, White

Leaf color

SeaGreen

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Border, Container, Mass Planting

Shape

Arching, Clump, Upright

Fragrant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No