Growing Miscanthus

The genus Miscanthus comprises about 14 species native to parts of Africa, Asia, and the Pacific Islands. It is a warm-season Grass, meaning it thrives during the hotter months of the year and goes dormant in late fall and winter. Miscanthus produces clumps of graceful leaf blades that can be used in containers, as hedges, or at the back of the border.

Growing Miscanthus

Light: Sun to part shade.

Watering: Medium.

Fertilizer: Most Grasses only require mulch around the base. No other fertilizer is necessary. Fertilizing may cause lush growth that will become spindly and droopy over time.

Soil: Will tolerate a wide range of soil and will easily grow in moist or even wet soils.

Pests/Diseases: Generally pest- and disease-free.

Dividing/Transplanting:  Divide and transplant warm-season Grasses anytime in spring through midsummer, when they are actively growing but not while they are flowering. If the plants are dormant when they are transplanted they won't establish a good root system. Large clumps will eventually die out in the center, and may require dividing.

End-of-Season Care:  You may choose to cut back warm-season Grasses in fall or winter when they turn brown. Trim to a few inches tall. You can also choose to leave the dried Grasses and seed heads in your garden for winter interest. In that case, trim by late spring before seeing new signs of growth.