Glyceria maxima 'Variegata' Play pronunciation

Variegated manna grass is an ornamental, semi-aquatic, spreading, mounding, herbaceous perennial grass cultivar that may be planted along ponds, streams, or in a water garden. It grows upright, 2 to 3 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide, spreading by rhizomes and can become aggressive. Its eye-catching leaves are long, narrow, strap-like, and green with creamy stripes and may be tinged with pink at the leaf base. During the fall, the foliage turns tan. Panicles of purplish-green spikes appear during the summer and are borne on an erect to ascending culm. This plant is a member of the grass family (Poaceae).

Prefers full sun and moisture-retentive or poorly drained soils. It can tolerate being submerged in up to 1 foot of water. It is adaptable to most soil and pH types. It is winter hardy in zones 4 to 9. In frost-free climates, it may remain evergreen. It has the potential to become aggressive and may be difficult to remove. It is wet-soil-, clay-soil-, and urban-condition-tolerant. The plant will die back over the winter and reemerge in the spring. To prevent overcrowding, it may be best to divide the plant every 2 to 3 years.

The species, Glyceria maxima, is known to be invasive in New Zealand, Australia, and North America.

Consider variegated manna grass for use in a rain garden, water garden, or nearby ponds and streams. It could be used as container planting for a patio.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No significant insect pests or diseases. It grows fast and may become aggressive or weedy.