How to Maintain Giant Miscanthus

Giant miscanthus is a plant for large landscapes that offer plenty of room for it to grow to its potential height of 15 feet and width of 8 feet without overwhelming its surroundings. In late summer, this fountain-shaped ornamental grass produces large, reddish-tan plumes that turn silvery-white as winter approaches. The plumes last throughout winter, adding interest to the landscape after other plants cease to bloom. Considered hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 5 to 9, miscanthus may not produce plumes in zones 5 to 7 because it needs a long, hot summer season.

Things You'll Need

Long-handled pruners

10-10-10 fertilizer

Instructions

- 1
  Cut back miscanthus plants to the ground in late winter or early spring, just before new growth begins. Long-handled pruners help provide the leverage necessary to cut through the tough leaves and sturdy stems.
- 2
  Work 10-10-10 fertilizer into the soil around the plant in spring after cutting back. Use 2 cups for 100 square feet of plants or about 4 tablespoons for a single mature clump. The fertilizer helps to replace the nutrients lost when the foliage is cut back.
- 3
  Water often enough to keep the soil evenly moist in spring and summer. Although miscanthus tolerates drought, regular watering results in healthier, more attractive plants. Discontinue watering in winter.
- 4
  Observe the plant's purple spots on the stems that may indicate miscanthus mealybugs. Peel back the outer sheath of stems with purple spots and look for white, waxy deposits left by the mealybug. Since the insects live under the outer layer of the stems, contact insecticides are ineffective. The best control method is to prune out infested stems or remove the plant.

My Ginger Will Not Bloom

My Dahlias Are Dying

Growing Perennials