Miscanthus sinensis
| Miscanthus sinensis | |
| Light: |   |
| Moisture: |  |
| Hardiness: | 4 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Height: | 13' |
| Width: | 3' |
| Blooms: | Late Summer-Early Fall |
| Native to: | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Medicinal Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Miscanthus sinensis (common name: eulalia)
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].
Fully dormant plants are hardy to about -20°c[4], though the young growth in spring can be damaged by late frosts.
Often grown as an ornamental plant, there are many named varieties[3]. Many forms do not get enough summer heat to flower freely when they are grown in Britain, 'Silberfeder' (syn 'Silver Feather') is the most free-flowering in cooler climates[4]. Plants can be grown as a focal point in lawns, they also succeed in quite coarse grass[5].
The leaves have saw-toothed edges that can cut the unwary gardener, it is best to wear gloves when working with the plant[1].
Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[5].
Range: E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea.
Habitat: Moist meadows on slopes in lowland and mountains all over Japan[6][1].
Edibility: Immature flowering spike[7][8]. No further details are given.
Medicinal: The juice of young stems is used to disperse poisons, dissolve blood clots, dissipate extravasated blood and remove inflammation[9].
The plant is diuretic and refrigerant[10][9].
Usage: Being increasingly grown as a source of biomass, trials are currently (1992) taking place on its potential in Britain[K].
Plants form impenetrably dense clumps and when planted close together in drifts make an excellent ground cover[1].
Pollinators: Wind
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
Wind: Tolerates strong winds
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Grounds, Roger. Ornamental Grasses. Christopher Helm, 1989.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Phillips, Roger and Martyn Rix. Perennials - The Definitve Reference. Pan Books, 1991.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Thomas, Graham. Perennial Garden Plants. J. M. Dent & Sons, 1990.
- ↑ Ohwi, Jisaburo. Flora of Japan. Smithsonian Institution, 1965.
- ↑ Tanaka, Tyōzaburō. Tanaka's Cyclopaedia of Edible Plants of the World. Keigaku Publishing, 1976.
- ↑ Kunkel, Günther. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books, 1984.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 Duke, James and Edward Ayensu. Medicinal Plants of China. Reference Publications, 1985.
- ↑ Revolutionary Health Committee of Hunan Province. A Barefoot Doctors Manual. Running Press.