Strawberries and Cream Reed Canary Grass (Phalaris arundinacea ‘Strawberries and Cream’) Strawberries and Cream Reed Canary Grass (Phalaris arundinacea ‘Strawberries and Cream’) is a striking ornamental grass prized for its variegated foliage featuring creamy white stripes with soft pink and red accents. This vigorous, warm-season perennial adds vibrant color, texture, and seasonal interest to wetland edges, rain gardens, and naturalistic landscapes. Distinctive Features This cultivar forms dense clumps of broad, arching leaves with distinctive creamy white variegation and splashes of pink and red that create a unique visual appeal throughout the growing season. Its flowering panicles emerge in late spring to early summer, adding soft texture and interest. Growing Conditions Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade Soil: Prefers moist to wet soils; tolerates a wide range including poorly drained areas Water: High; thrives in consistently moist or saturated soils USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 9 Ideal Uses Wetland Gardens: Ideal for pond edges, marshes, and rain gardens Erosion Control: Stabilizes soil in wet or soggy areas Naturalistic Landscapes: Adds vibrant color and vertical texture Accent Planting: Creates standout focal points with colorful variegation Wildlife Habitat: Provides shelter for birds and small animals Low Maintenance Care Watering: Requires consistently moist to wet soil conditions Pruning: Cut back old foliage in late winter to promote fresh spring growth Fertilizing: Generally not required unless soil is poor Mulching: Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds Protection: Manage spreading tendency to prevent unwanted invasion Why Choose Strawberries and Cream Reed Canary Grass? Vibrant Variegated Foliage: Creamy white stripes with pink and red accents provide unique color contrast Moisture Loving: Thrives in wet soils and rain garden conditions Rapid Growth: Offers quick coverage and erosion control Wildlife Support: Provides habitat and shelter in wet landscapes Seasonal Interest: Adds texture and color throughout the growing season Phalaris arundinacea ‘Strawberries and Cream’ is a vibrant, moisture-loving ornamental grass that enhances wet landscapes with bold variegation and dynamic form.