Variegated Ribbon Grass
Phalaris arundinacea 'Picta'

Black Mondo Grass

A fast-spreading, striped ornamental grass effective for erosion control but highly invasive; best grown in containers to limit its aggressive spread.

Picture illustrating Phalaris arundinacea 'Picta' plant

Habit

Perennial Grass-like

 Height

0.6-1m

Growth

Fast, Spreading

Soil

Moist, Adaptable

Shade

Full Sun to Part Shade

Moisture

High

Edible

No

Medicinal

No

Origin

Cultivar (Europe/Asia)

Climatic Condition

Temperate

Temperature (°)

5-25

Humidity (%)

Adaptable

Potting media

Moist Loam

Fertilizers

Nitrogen if needed

Watering

Keep moist

Plant Weight 

1-3 kg

Flowering Time

Early Summer

Soil Ph level

6.0-7.5

Water Ph level

6.5-7.5

Soil EC

1.0-2.0

Yield Per Plant 

N/A

NPK ratio 

30:10:10

life Span

Perennial

Health Benefits

Erosion control in contained areas; fast ornamental filler.

Suggested Grow Media or Potting Mix ?

Contained planting recommended; use standard potting mix.

Suggested Fertigation/Fertilizers

Selly needed; light compost in spring if desired.

Fertilize every 3 weeksCommon Diseases and Remedies

root and rhizome rot, leaf spot, rust, fungal blight, aphids and spider mites

yellowing or browning foliage, wilting, soft or decaying rhizomes, brown or black leaf spots, orange or rust-colored pustules, reduced vigor, sticky honeydew and fine webbing

ensure well-drained soil and avoid waterlogging, remove and destroy infected leaves, maintain good air circulation and sunlight, apply neem oil or insecticidal soap for pests, use sulfur or baking-soda spray for rust

In-Organic Remedies

fungicides with mefenoxam or metalaxyl for root and rhizome rot, copper-based fungicides for leaf spot, fungicides with propiconazole or mancozeb for rust and blight, systemic insecticides and miticides such as imidacloprid or abamectin for pest control.

Black Mondo Grass
Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens'