Pacific island silvergrass is a robust ornamental grass known for its significant stature and tightly clumping growth habit. The plant features an upright, vertical form and can rapidly reach a sizable height of 8 to 12 feet (2.4 to 3.7 meters) with a spread of approximately 4 feet (1.2 meters). The foliage gives a lush, commanding presence in suitable landscape settings.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Miscanthus floridulus, the Pacific Island silvergrass, is a species of perennial grass in the family Poaceae.
Pacific island silvergrass is a perennial whose stems are often used to make fences around houses. It can grow as high as 2.5 m to 3.5 m and is often used as an accent in larger landscapes. It attracts songbirds and is used as a drying rack for tobacco in the Philippines.
The leaves of pacific island silvergrass are long, measuring up to 3 feet (90 cm), and exhibit a deep green color with a distinct white mid vein. These linear leaves transition to purplish hues in the autumn before gradually turning tan by winter. The texture is robust and grass-like, with a prominent veining pattern that runs parallel along the length of the leaf. These features are distinguishable and play a key role in identifying the plant.
The flowers of pacific island silvergrass exhibit large, white inflorescences in mid-summer that gradually transition to a buff color by fall. These inflorescences are characterized by a prominent central rachis and are visually striking due to their size and form. Typically, they reach up to 2 feet (60 cm) in length. The arrangement of the flowers is dense and plume-like, creating a feathery appearance. While not notable for their scent, these inflorescences are a key feature for identifying pacific island silvergrass.
Miscanthus floridulus is native to parts of eastern and southeastern Asia and the Pacific islands.
It is native to southern China, Laos, Vietnam, Myanmar, and Peninsular Malaysia on the Asian mainland, and to Japan, the Ryukyu Islands, Taiwan, Hainan, the Philippines, Sumatra, Java, the Lesser Sunda Islands, Sulawesi, Maluku, and New Guinea, the Bismarck Archipelago, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, and Fiji, as well as parts of Micronesia (Caroline Islands, Marshall Islands, and Gilbert Islands) and Polynesia (Cook Islands, Marquesas Islands, Niue, Samoan Islands, Society Islands, Tonga, Tuamotu Archipelago, Tubuai Islands, and Wallis and Futuna).
It has been introduced to Hawaii and the Mariana Islands, and to Arkansas and Missouri in the mainland United States.
II. How to Grow and Care
Pacific island silvergrass thrives best in environments that reflect its natural habitat of open grasslands. The plant is generally easy to care for and demonstrates resilience to a variety of conditions. Key care points include ensuring full sun exposure for optimal growth and regular watering; however, pacific island silvergrass is drought-tolerant once established. Special attention should be given to providing enough space for pacific island silvergrass’s tall and robust growth, which may necessitate occasional trimming to maintain shape and size.
Sunlight
For optimal growth, pacific island silvergrass thrives in full sun conditions, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. This light intensity fuels pacific island silvergrass’s photosynthesis process, essential for robust growth and flowering. While pacific island silvergrass is adaptable to various light environments, suboptimal exposure, such as in partial shade, may lead to reduced vigor and sparse blooms.
Adaptively, pacific island silvergrass may exhibit certain mechanisms like leaf orientation to maximize light capture. Typically, pacific island silvergrass is grown outdoors and flourishes best in open areas where sunlight isn’t obstructed to ensure its health and development.
Watering
Originating from the warm, humid regions of the Pacific islands, pacific island silvergrass thrives in environments that mimic its native tropical climate. This species exhibits a preference for consistent moisture and is moderately drought-tolerant once established. For optimal growth, pacific island silvergrass should be watered every week. Indoors, pacific island silvergrass adds a lush, evergreen presence to the home, requiring careful attention to watering to prevent soil dryness which can impact its vibrant foliage.
Fertilizing
For optimal growth, pacific island silvergrass benefits from balanced nutrition fertilizers, with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply quarterly during the growing season, using a lightweight application to avoid nutrient overload. Fertilization enhances pacific island silvergrass’s vigor, promotes lush foliage, and supports robust flowering.
While actively growing, increase frequency slightly, but scale back in dormancy to prevent waste and potential root harm. Utilize slow-release formulations for consistent nourishment. Always water pacific island silvergrass post-fertilization to aid in nutrient absorption and minimize root burn risk. Novice and experienced gardeners should wear gloves and follow the manufacturer’s guidance for safe application.
Propagation
Pacific island silvergrass is effectively propagated through the method of division. Gardeners should divide its clumps in the dormant period to minimize transplant shock. The separated sections must have adequate roots and shoots to ensure successful reestablishment. When dividing, use sharp, clean tools to minimize damage and potential disease, and plant the divisions at the same soil depth as the parent to encourage robust growth. Consistent watering after propagation helps in the establishment of new pacific island silvergrass plants.
Transplanting
Optimal transplantation for pacific island silvergrass thrives in the heart of the rejuvenating season, ideally between mid and late spring, utilizing its vigour. Ensure a sunny spot with well-draining soil to mirror their native habitat’s bliss.
III. Uses and Benefits
In the Highlands Region of Papua New Guinea, this grass is locally known as pit pit grass, and grows naturally. The local communities use the stem of this grass for several purposes. The matured stem is used to make fences around gardens. It is also used to construct the outer wall of traditional houses. The third important use is that remote households burn dried stems to light their houses.
Also, children who walk to school carry torches from the burning stem of this grass until they reach their destination. A torch is about 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) long and it takes quite a while to burn it down. The walking distance is long where the children start their journey as early as 5 am.
