How to Plant Miscanthus

Commonly known as maiden grass or Japanese silver grass, Miscanthus sinensis develops in clumps of arching leaves that are 6 feet tall. Flowering begins in late summer, and the pink blooms stay on until winter. The autumn foliage is gold in most cultivars. This ornamental grass thrives in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 4 to 9. Nurseries carry different varieties with slight physical variations. Condensatus, for instance, grows 8 feet tall. The leaves of Strictus sport horizontal yellow stripes. No matter which variety you select, get it from the nursery in time to transplant it in the spring.

Hoe
Weed digger
Pickax
Shovel
Manure
10-10-10 fertilizer
Rake

Instructions

- 1
  Remove weeds and all debris from a site that receives six to eight hours of daily sun.
- 2
  Break the ground to a depth of 6 to 8 inches with a pickax and shovel. Spread a 2-inch layer of manure or other organic matter over the turned surface. Broadcast 1 lb. of 10-10-10 fertilizer per 100 square feet. Incorporate both nutrients into the soil with a shovel. Rake the surface to smooth it out.
- 3
  Dig a hole to accommodate the plant at the same level as it has been growing in the nursery container. Space multiple plants 3 to 5 feet apart.
- 4
  Slide the Miscanthus sinensis out of the nursery pot. Place it in the center of the hole and back-fill it with topsoil. Tap the ground around the base of the plant to remove air pockets.
- 5
  Irrigate Miscanthus to the root zone at planting.

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