Miscanthus sacchariflorus
| Miscanthus sacchariflorus | |
| Light: |   |
| Moisture: |  |
| Hardiness: | 8 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Height: | 10' |
| Width: | 7' |
| Speed: | Fast |
| Blooms: | Late Summer-Mid Fall |
| Native to: | |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Miscanthus sacchariflorus (common name: amur silver grass)
Propagation: Seed - surface sow in spring in a greenhouse and keep moist. Germination should take place within a couple of weeks. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Division in spring or early autumn[1]. Very easy, large divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer.
Cultivation: Prefers a deep fertile loamy soil that does not dry out in summer[1] but succeeds in any ordinary soil that is not too dry[2][3], in sun or light shade[1]. Very wind tolerant. Plants can be grown as a focal point in lawns, they also succeed in quite coarse grass[4].
This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c when fully dormant[1], though the young growth in spring can be damaged by late frosts.
Closely related to M. floridulus[4].
The leaves have saw-toothed edges and can cut the unwary gardener, it is best to wear gloves when working with the plant[1].
A rhizomatous plant, but it is slow to spread[5].
Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[4].
Range: E. Asia - China.
Habitat: Flood plains and river banks in meadows in Amur[6][1].
Usage: Very wind hardy, succeeding in maritime exposure, it can be grown as a shelter hedge though it dies down in winter[K]. Although they die down in the winter they quickly attain their full height each season[1].
Pollinators: Wind
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
Wind: Tolerates maritime wind exposure
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Also Known As: M. saccharifer. Imperata sacchariflora.
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.
- ↑ Grounds, Roger. Ornamental Grasses. Christopher Helm, 1989.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Thomas, Graham. Perennial Garden Plants. J. M. Dent & Sons, 1990.
- ↑ Brickell, Christopher. The RHS Gardener's Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers. Dorling Kindersley Publishers, 1990.
- ↑ Komarov, Vladimir. Flora of the USSR. Gantner Verlag, 1968.