Chinese Silver Grass (Miscanthus sinensis)

Chinese silver grass is a perennial grass that can grow 91 to 213 cm. It forms dense clumps from an underground rhizome. The chinese silver grass is grown mainly as an ornamental grass, with silvery leaves and flowers that vary in color based on the cultivar. Be careful where you plant this type of grass; in some zones it can become invasive.

I. Appearance and Characteristics

Miscanthus sinensis, the eulalia or Chinese silver grass, is a species of flowering plant in the grass family Poaceae, native to eastern Asia throughout most of China, Japan, Taiwan and Korea.

The Latin specific epithet sinensis means “from China”, though the plant is found elsewhere in eastern Asia.

It is an herbaceous perennial grass, growing to 0.8–2 m (3–7 ft) tall, rarely 4 m (13 ft), forming dense clumps from an underground rhizome. The leaves are 18–75 cm (7–30 in) tall and 0.3–2 cm broad. The flowers are purplish, held above the foliage. This plant is the preferred structure for the nesting of some species of paper wasps, such as Ropalidia fasciata.

Chinese Silver Grass (Miscanthus sinensis)
Miscanthus sinensis ja01 Miya.m CC BY-SA 3.0

It is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate climates around the world.

It has become an invasive species in parts of North America. However, it is possible to reduce the likelihood of escape or hybridization with extant wild M. sinensis populations with breeding and proper management.

II. How to Grow and Care

Sunlight

Maiden grass enjoys bright sunlight, with about six hours of direct light a day, but can handle some shade.

Temperature and Humidity

Maiden grass enjoys warm weather and thrives in southern regions with temperatures that can reach 80 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it can also withstand winter temperatures since it’s cold-hardy.

Watering

After the first planting, maiden grass must be thoroughly soaked to strengthen its roots. Water at the root level to prevent plant rust, which occurs when leaves are burdened with water. Maiden grass needs to be watered approximately two to three days a week in its first year—about an inch per week. Once established, it can sustain itself throughout normal weather conditions, only needing extra care during drought or severe heat periods. This plant is best watered at the soil line, using drip irrigation.

Chinese Silver Grass (Miscanthus sinensis)
Miscanthus sinensis ja02 Miya.m CC BY-SA 3.0

Soil

The grass grows in many soil types though it prefers organic and well-drained matter. Maiden grass can tolerate excessive moisture and droughts. It can grow in sand and salty environments, so it is commonly used in coastal landscaping.

Fertilizing

Chinese silver grass should be fertilized using an organic fertilizer, and does not need to be fertilized in the first year of planting. After that, an all-purpose organic fertilizer is recommended. Too much fertilizer can give the leaves a floppy appearance. Applying fertilizer once a month during the summer should be sufficient to feed this species.

Pruning

To keep your maiden grass healthy, clip it back in the late winter/early spring before new growth appears. Loosely secure the top with rope and cut 3 inches from the ground using hedge clippers. Be sure to wear long sleeves and heavy gardening gloves since the plants are relatively sharp. Prune off the flower heads before they go to seed if you do not want your plants to self-sow and grow indiscriminately in your landscaping.

Propagation

Chinese Silver Grass (Miscanthus sinensis)
Miscanthus sinensis (Matsudo, Chiba, Japan) t-mizo CC BY 2.0

The best way to propagate maiden grass is through division in the early spring before new growth comes in. Divide your maiden grass every three years to reenergize its growth. You will notice that the center might start dying out—a clear sign it’s time to divide. Before you divide, cut the foliage down to 3 inches above ground level in late winter or early spring to make room for the new shoots. Here’s how to divide maiden grass:

  • The only tool you need is a pointed shovel or spade.
  • Dig around the rhizomatous root ball of the plant deeply until you are under the root ball. Dig in a circle around the plant and hoist up the entire root ball. Depending on your plant’s size, it may be heavy, and you may need assistance.
  • Plunge a sharp shovel edge into the root ball, splitting it in half. Divide the halves in half, if possible.
  • Plant each as a new plant at least 3 to 6 feet apart. Maiden grass needs its room since clumps get large. Drench with water.

How to Grow from Seed

To grow maiden grass by seeds, start them indoors in early spring. Here’s how:

  • Fill a planting tray with potting soil and press one to two seeds onto the soil.
  • Do not cover the seeds with soil. The seeds need light to germinate.
  • Keep the soil aerated and moist.
  • Situate the tray in a warm, sunny space with temperatures above 60 degrees.
  • Seeds should sprout within two to three weeks. If your outdoor soil is warm and there is no threat of frost, transplant the seed outdoors; the seed needs warm soil to survive.

Overwintering

Leave dead grass stalks to wave in the breeze during winter dormancy. The stalks serve as a mulch, protecting the plant’s crown underground. Also, the waving grass makes a wonderful winter scene, especially after a snowfall.

Pests and Diseases

Chinese Silver Grass (Miscanthus sinensis)
Miscanthus sinensis Matt Lavin CC BY-SA 2.0

Common Diseases

Maiden grass is not susceptible to pests or many diseases, except for rust, a fungus spread by spores. Rust occurs when water splashes onto the leaves. It helps to water the grass at the base only, not from overhead.

Common Problems

Maiden grass is an easy-growing plant once it’s established. It takes about one year to mature, but once it does, it doesn’t require a lot of water, nutrients, or anything other than well-draining soil and plenty of sun.

Maiden Grass Turning Brown

Browning of the tips of the grass is a common sign of the plant entering dormancy. As the daylight shortens, it signals that it’s time for the plant to start dying back. It’s normal and expected. However, if the browning is happening during the regular growing season, make sure you are not over watering or over fertilizing. Well-established, mature maiden grass does not need much of either.

Center of Plant Is Dying

When the center of an ornamental grass starts to appear like it’s dying, it’s signaling to you that it wants to be dug up. Pull it up, divide the rhizome in half or quarters, and turn one plant into four. Every three to four years, it needs to be divided to reinvigorate its growth.

Stunted Growth With Twisty Stems

Maiden grass grows very slowly; however, if you notice it’s particularly slow going and you notice yellowing and twisting of the stems, you may have miscanthus mealybugs. Miscanthus mealybugs may be hard to notice and eradicate, hiding within the plant’s stems, crown, or roots. The bug colony looks like a white, powdery, waxy material. and little bug droppings are a telltale sign. Purple spots on infected stems are another clear sign. To get rid of an infestation, you will likely need to use a pesticide. Try an insecticidal soap if can you catch it early enough.

III. Uses and Benefits

Chinese Silver Grass (Miscanthus sinensis)
Chinaschilf – Miscanthus sinensis 03 Norbert Nagel, Mörfelden-Walldorf, Germany CC BY-SA 3.0
  • Ornamental uses

Chinese silver grass is a popular perennial grass prized for its drooping leaves and feathery seeded stalks. It is used as a focal point in yards, or can be planted in close rows to form a natural barrier. It is an essential plant in large gardens when it is planted with bright-colored phlox, verbena, salvias, and plumbago, giving the area a dramatic effect.

  • Other uses

M. sinensis is a candidate for bioenergy production due to its high yield, even in high-stress environments, easy propagation, effective nutrient cycling, and high genetic variation.

Find Where to Buy the Best Chinese Silver Grass (Miscanthus sinensis)

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Theplantstore.co.nz
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Charellagardens.co.uk
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