{"product_id":"strawberry-and-cream-ribbon-grass","title":"Strawberry and Cream Ribbon Grass","description":"\u003cp\u003eStrawberry and Cream Ribbon Grass adds a brushstroke of pink and white to Roseville, Shoreview, and Mounds View borders — a tough, deer-resistant grass with cream-striped blades that flush pink in cool weather.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eAbout Strawberry and Cream Ribbon Grass\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"border-collapse:collapse;width:100%;max-width:600px;margin:16px 0;\"\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;font-weight:600;background:#f4f7ec;width:40%;\"\u003eBotanical Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003ePhalaris arundinacea 'Strawberry and Cream'\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;font-weight:600;background:#f4f7ec;\"\u003eMature Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003e2-3ft tall × spreading\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;font-weight:600;background:#f4f7ec;\"\u003eBloom \/ Foliage\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003eTan flower plumes mid-summer\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;font-weight:600;background:#f4f7ec;\"\u003eSun Requirements\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003eFull sun (6+ hrs) for most ornamental grasses. A few (Blue Moor Grass) tolerate light shade.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;font-weight:600;background:#f4f7ec;\"\u003eWater Needs\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003eLow. Drought-tolerant once established — average MN rainfall is plenty.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;font-weight:600;background:#f4f7ec;\"\u003eSoil\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003eTolerates Minnesota clay-loam. Adapts to most well-drained soils.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;font-weight:600;background:#f4f7ec;\"\u003eHardiness Zones\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003e3-8 (Twin Cities is zone 4b–5a). Reliable to -40°F for most native grass cultivars.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;font-weight:600;background:#f4f7ec;\"\u003eDeer Resistance\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003eRarely browsed — ornamental grasses are one of the most deer-proof plant categories\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;font-weight:600;background:#f4f7ec;\"\u003eFoliage\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003eDeciduous — grass blades emerge in spring, mature through summer, hold form (often with golden fall color) into winter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;font-weight:600;background:#f4f7ec;\"\u003eGrowth Rate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003eFast — reaches full size in one or two seasons\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy You'll Love Strawberry and Cream Ribbon Grass\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWinter structure\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eOrnamental grasses hold their golden form through Minnesota's five-month winter — one of the few things that look great against snow. Pair with red-twig dogwood for maximum winter impact.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollinator + bird habitat\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eGrass seed heads feed birds through fall and winter. Native bunchgrass clumps are critical nesting habitat for ground-dwelling pollinators.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eLow-water plantings\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eOnce established, ornamental grasses thrive on natural rainfall — no supplemental watering needed. Perfect for boulevard strips, dry slopes, and parking-area plantings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eVariegated ribbon grass with pink summer tips\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePink-tipped foliage and best in damp spots — perfect for rain gardens. That's why Strawberry and Cream Ribbon Grass has earned a spot in our Minnesota launch catalog — it's a grass we're confident will thrive in your Twin Cities landscape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePlanting Strawberry and Cream Ribbon Grass in the Twin Cities\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBest planting window:\u003c\/strong\u003e Spring (mid-April through early June) or early fall (late August through late September). Avoid planting during peak summer heat — Twin Cities heat waves can stress newly installed root balls.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSite selection:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun (6+ hrs) for most ornamental grasses. A few (Blue Moor Grass) tolerate light shade. Choose a location with the mature size of 2-3ft tall × spreading in mind — give Strawberry and Cream Ribbon Grass room to fill out without crowding fences, sidewalks, or neighboring plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil prep:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tolerates Minnesota clay-loam. Adapts to most well-drained soils. If your Twin Cities yard has heavy clay (common in Plymouth, Eden Prairie, and Wayzata), amend the planting hole with 25-30% compost to improve drainage. For sandy soils in parts of Anoka and Washington counties, mix in compost to improve water retention.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to plant:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eDig a hole 2× the width of the root ball and the same depth.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eLoosen the sides of the hole — slick clay walls block root expansion.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eSet Strawberry and Cream Ribbon Grass so the top of the root ball is 1-2\" above grade.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eBackfill with native soil mixed 25% with compost. Tamp gently.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eWater deeply (5+ gallons) immediately after planting.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eMulch 2-3\" deep, keeping mulch 2\" away from the stem.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWatering \u0026amp; Care\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFirst year (establishment):\u003c\/strong\u003e Water deeply 1-2× per week from April through October. Strawberry and Cream Ribbon Grass needs consistent moisture to develop a strong root system for its first Minnesota winter. Check soil moisture 4-6\" deep — water when the top 2-3\" feels dry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEstablished (year 2+):\u003c\/strong\u003e Low. Drought-tolerant once established — average MN rainfall is plenty. During typical Twin Cities summers, supplemental water during 2+ week dry spells is enough.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinter prep:\u003c\/strong\u003e Water deeply in late October before ground freeze — this protects Strawberry and Cream Ribbon Grass through dry winter winds. Apply a fresh 2-3\" layer of mulch in November to insulate the root zone through deep freezes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePruning:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cut back to 4–6 inches in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Do NOT cut back in fall — the foliage provides winter interest and wildlife habitat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Strawberry and Cream Ribbon Grass hardy in Minnesota?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nYes. Strawberry and Cream Ribbon Grass is rated for zones 3-8 (Twin Cities is zone 4b–5a) — the Twin Cities metro is zone 4b–5a, well within its hardiness range. Pink-tipped foliage and best in damp spots — perfect for rain gardens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow fast does Strawberry and Cream Ribbon Grass grow?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nFast — reaches full size in one or two seasons. Expect mature size (2-3ft tall × spreading) within 5-8 years depending on site conditions and care.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill deer eat Strawberry and Cream Ribbon Grass?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nRarely browsed — ornamental grasses are one of the most deer-proof plant categories. In high-deer-pressure suburbs (Wayzata, Stillwater, Hudson), supplemental fencing or repellents may help young plants establish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I plant Strawberry and Cream Ribbon Grass in part shade?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nFull sun (6+ hrs) for most ornamental grasses. A few (Blue Moor Grass) tolerate light shade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat size gallon should I buy?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nWe typically offer Strawberry and Cream Ribbon Grass in #2, #5, #10, and sometimes larger gallon sizes. Smaller sizes establish faster and cost less; larger sizes give instant impact. For most Twin Cities residential landscapes, #5 or #10 gallon is the sweet spot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhere We Deliver\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThree Timbers Minnesota delivers and installs Strawberry and Cream Ribbon Grass across the Twin Cities metro — Minneapolis, St. Paul, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Edina, Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, Wayzata, Bloomington, Apple Valley, Burnsville, Lakeville, Eagan, Roseville, Shoreview, Stillwater, Woodbury, Hudson, Hopkins, St. Louis Park, Chanhassen, Excelsior, Victoria, Chaska, and surrounding communities. Live Strawberry and Cream Ribbon Grass grown for our climate and delivered fresh from our Waconia, MN nursery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- tt-enriched --\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow Many Strawberry and Cream Ribbon Grass Do I Need?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRibbon grass spreads by underground rhizomes, so each plant fills in to cover ground — space them about 24 inches apart to knit together into a variegated mat. Use the area guide below to plan a bed or a damp slope.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eArea to cover\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePlants needed (24 in apart)\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10 sq ft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3 plants\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e25 sq ft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e7 plants\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e50 sq ft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e13 plants\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e100 sq ft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e25 plants\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eStrawberry and Cream Ribbon Grass Season-by-Season in Minnesota\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpring:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fresh cream-and-green striped blades push up and flush soft pink in the cool early-season air.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSummer:\u003c\/strong\u003e The variegated clump fills out and lifts airy, tan flower plumes by mid-summer; the cream striping brightens shady-edge and pondside spots.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFall:\u003c\/strong\u003e Foliage takes on golden tones and keeps lighting up the bed as other plants fade.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWinter:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cut blades stand tan against the snow for winter structure; cut back to 4-6 inches in late winter before new growth.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAt a Glance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Deer-Resistant   ✔ Drought-Tolerant   ✔ Rain-Garden \/ Wet-Soil   ✔ Four-Season Interest\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePlant It With\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/shenandoah-switch-grass\"\u003eShenandoah Switch Grass\u003c\/a\u003e — an upright native grass that contrasts the low, spreading ribbon foliage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/shining-star-bluestem\"\u003eShining Star Bluestem\u003c\/a\u003e — fine-textured prairie grass with burgundy fall color.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/prairie-dropseed\"\u003ePrairie Dropseed\u003c\/a\u003e — a tidy, fountaining clump grass for the front of the planting.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/magnus-coneflower\"\u003eMagnus Coneflower\u003c\/a\u003e — bold pink daisies to rise above the variegated blades.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Strawberry and Cream Ribbon Grass Right for Your Yard?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's wonderfully adaptable — happy in full sun in average to damp ground, including rain gardens, pond edges, and wet spots where many plants sulk, and drought-tough once established. The honest caveat: it spreads aggressively by rhizome, so it is not for a small, tidy bed — plant it where it can roam, edge it with a buried barrier, or use it to fill a tough damp slope where its spreading habit is an asset.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Three Timbers Minnesota","offers":[{"title":"#1 Gallon","offer_id":54169960808753,"sku":"G0690","price":12.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0986\/0694\/0465\/files\/Strawberryand_cream_ribbon_grass_1_4ebb18a8-8017-4696-93fd-1a824d774343.jpg?v=1778451940","url":"https:\/\/threetimbersmn.com\/products\/strawberry-and-cream-ribbon-grass","provider":"Three Timbers Minnesota","version":"1.0","type":"link"}