This tough but beautiful grass goes well with many other perennials.
Also known as maiden grass, miscanthus looks good even when it’s not in bloom.
When it does bloom, the foliage is topped by silvery seed heads.
John Reed Forsman.
Where to Plant Miscanthus
Miscanthus makes the perfect backdrop for more showy flowering plants.
Position taller varieties at the back of borders or the center of island beds.
Larger cultivars also make dramatic specimen plants.
Credit: Andreas Trauttmansdorff
It can act as a fast-growing garden screen, too, when you need a little privacy from neighbors.
Look for sterile varieties that won’t spread.
Chinese silvergrass (Miscanthus sinensis) is widely invasive even in northern climes.
Credit: Rob Cardillo
It is lovely to look at, but it displaces native plants.
In dry conditions, its flammability creates a fire hazard.
Garden soil with a 5.5 to 7.5 on the pH scale is best.
Credit: Bob Stefko
Dig a hole only slightly deeper than the plant in its container but two to three times as wide.
Amend the soil removed from the hole as needed.
If it is well-drained, fertile and loamy, you don’t need to add anything.
Credit: John Reed Forsman
Remove the root ball from the container and loosen the roots slightly.
Set the plant in the hole at slightly above the level it was in the container.
Add the soil previously removed and amended back to the hole and water the area.
Credit: John Reed Forsman
Add a 2-inch layer of aged mulch around the plant.
Sun is also best for flower production, allowing the plants to produce large amounts of feathery blossoms.
Miscanthus likes evenly moist soil, but once it is established, it can tolerate some dry spells.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Temperature and Humidity
Most miscanthus species are cold-hardy in Zones 5-9.
RuggedMiscanthusxgiganteusis hardy in Zones 4-9.
The plants are most susceptible to frigid temperatures during their first winter after planting.
Credit: Dean Schoeppner
Fertilizer
Don’t fertilize miscanthus during the first year of planting.
After that, feed it only once a year in winter or early spring with a mild organic fertilizer.
For the amount to use, follow product label instructions.
Credit: David Speer
Too much fertilizer makes the plants weak, and they may flop over.
Pruning
The foliage on miscanthus adds winter interest to the garden.
Just before new growth emerges in spring, cut back the plants to a few inches above the ground.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Watch for purple spots on the stems and treat the plant with insecticidal soap when mealybugs appear.
Remove sections of the plant that are affected by miscanthus blight and destroy them.
When this happens, dig up the plant anddivide it to reinvigorate growthand expand the number of plants.
Credit: Jim Krantz
Use a sharp shovel to divide the parent plant into several sections that each include a portion of rhizomes.
Press them into the soil but don’t cover them.
Keep them moist and warm, and germination will occur in one to three weeks.
Credit: Illustration by Mavis Augustine Torke
Transplant the seedlings into slightly larger pots4-inch pots are idealand position them under grow lights to encourage root growth.
After the last frost, they can be transplanted outside, positioned 2 to 3 feet apart.
Grown largely for biofuels, this plant also acts as a great screen.
Credit: Illustration by Mavis Augustine Torke
Its reddish-pink plumes of flowers mature to tan.
Its plumes of flowers bleach white in the sun.
The hibiscus plant is large and dramatic, and it needs plenty of space to show off.
Credit: Illustration by Mavis Augustine Torke
The large leaves tend to draw Japanese beetles.
Most of these natives thrive in full sun and are not fussy about soil.
The taller ones may need support.
Credit: Mavis Augustine Torke
Excellent for cut flowers.
This majestic plant is crowned with large, cotton candy-like heads of fluffy flowers in late summer.
The plant’s divided leaves provide brilliant textural contrast in the garden.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
It is seldom nibbled on by deer or rabbits.
Dahlia
Nothing beatsa dahlia for summer color.
Growing these varied, spiky flowers is like having a box of garden crayons at your disposal.
Credit: Illustration by Gill Tomblin
Several flower categories, from the petite mignonettes to the gigantic dinner-plate dahlias, offer possibilities for any space.
Their blooming season extends into fall and is only halted by the first frost.
Then, transplant outdoors after the last frost.
Ornamental grasses are the stars here, with mums and asters playing supporting roles.
Corner of Grasses
Create an exquisite corner garden with ornamental grasses.
The distinct heights in the garden plan make a dramatic statement in the landscape.
Fabulous Fall-Garden Plan
Create a burst of fall color in your landscape with this easy-care garden plan.
The dry stems can be used as bio-fuel for heat, electricity, or conversion to ethanol.
With the proper care, most miscanthus species can live for 15 to 20 years in a garden setting.
When they are grown as an agricultural crop, 20 to 30 years is possible.
