Phalaris arundinacea

RHS Plant Profile
reed canary grass

Other common names

canary reed, sword grass, gwyran

Grass Like

Vigorous perennial grass with a running rootstock, forming an extensive colony of upright stems, to 1.5m tall in flower, bearing narrow, linear, mid-green leaves to 35cm long, and narrow panicles to 17cm long of pale green flower spikelets in summer

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand, Chalk

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

wider than 8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
wider than 8 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam Sand Chalk
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Poaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Tufted
Genus
Phalaris can be annual or rhizomatous perennials grasses with relatively broadly linear leaves and small green flower spikelets in open panicles
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
N & S temp. regions

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in any soil in full sun or partial shade. Can spread quickly, so suited to covering large areas, but has the potential to become a nuisance and may need to be controlled

Propagation

Propagate by division from mid-spring to midsummer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Ground cover

Pruning

Cut back dead foliage in spring

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free