Troubleshooting
Strawberries and Cream Ribbon Grass problems — and how to fix them
Strawberries and Cream Ribbon Grass (Phalaris arundinacea 'Strawberries and Cream') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Invasive spreading
Spreads aggressively by rhizomes like all ribbon grass; confine it to containers or use sturdy root barriers to prevent it overrunning beds.
Loss of pink tint
The strawberry flush fades as temperatures rise in summer, leaving plain green-and-white; cool spring and autumn weather restores the colour.
Summer browning
Foliage scorches and tatters in midsummer heat; cut the clump back hard to encourage fresh, well-coloured regrowth.
Reversion
Vigorous all-green shoots may emerge and outcompete the variegated growth; remove them promptly to keep the colourful form dominant.
Prevent strawberries and cream ribbon grass problems before they start
Most strawberries and cream ribbon grass issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
- Common canary reed grass problems — the species this cultivar belongs to
- What's wrong with my plant? — the diagnosis apps compared
- Strawberries and Cream Ribbon Grass watering schedule
- Strawberries and Cream Ribbon Grass light requirements
- Best soil mix for strawberries and cream ribbon grass
- Strawberries and Cream Ribbon Grass temperature & humidity
- Full strawberries and cream ribbon grass care guide
Looking for strawberries and cream ribbon grass in general rather than its problems? Read the full strawberries and cream ribbon grass care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Strawberries and Cream Ribbon Grass problems — FAQ
Why is my strawberries and cream ribbon grass invasive spreading?
Spreads aggressively by rhizomes like all ribbon grass; confine it to containers or use sturdy root barriers to prevent it overrunning beds.
Why is my strawberries and cream ribbon grass loss of pink tint?
The strawberry flush fades as temperatures rise in summer, leaving plain green-and-white; cool spring and autumn weather restores the colour.
Why is my strawberries and cream ribbon grass summer browning?
Foliage scorches and tatters in midsummer heat; cut the clump back hard to encourage fresh, well-coloured regrowth.
Why is my strawberries and cream ribbon grass reversion?
Vigorous all-green shoots may emerge and outcompete the variegated growth; remove them promptly to keep the colourful form dominant.