Miscanthus is a tall grass for the garden. Miscanthus chinensis: assortment and care

Miscanthus (Miscanthus) or fan flower - belongs to the genus of perennial herbaceous plants family Poaceae (Potaceae). A close relative of sugarcane, but the sugar content in the stems is much lower. The natural habitat is tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Australia, and Asia.

Botanical description

The creeping rhizome is capable of penetrating deep into the soil up to 6 m. The shrubs are spreading. The erect stems range in height from 80 cm to 2 m. The leaf blades are leathery, scaly, long, only 0.5-1.8 cm wide. The lush green color in the fall gives way to yellow, brown, bronze, and burgundy shades. The fan-shaped panicles are 10-30 cm long. At the beginning of flowering they have a pinkish tint, then become silvery. The flowering period occurs in mid-July-early August, if the summer is cool - even later.

The plant is hardy and easy to care for. Even a novice gardener can cope with this; in return, the grass will be a wonderful addition to your garden.

Benefits and harms

Except decorative properties, miscanthus has practical significance. It is used as fuel for power plants. The moisture concentration in the raw material is low, so when burning it is released a large number of energy, while little ash is formed.

It should be remembered that miscanthus is an aggressive plant that displaces other garden crops and quickly grows in width. To limit the growth of the grass, root growth limiters must be dug in around the perimeter: up to 30 cm in depth, it is advisable to create an obstacle to a height of 5-10 cm above the ground surface.

Growing Miscanthus from Seeds

Sowing miscanthus for seedlings should begin in the fall. Seeds do not require pre-treatment.

In individual containers (peat pots or plastic cups) place 1-2 seeds, lightly press them into the soil.
Moisten the crops, maintain optimal humidity soil, provide diffused lighting.
To speed up seed germination, crops can be covered with cling film or a plastic bag.
When shoots appear, the film is removed.

To prevent the seedlings from stretching out, especially in the first 2 weeks, it is advisable to ensure an air temperature of 18-20°C; on short daylight hours, it is necessary to supplement the illumination with phytolamps.
Grow the seedlings until spring, providing moderate watering and diffused bright lighting.
Planting in open ground should be carried out with the establishment of real warmth without night frosts, this is approximately mid-to-late May.
Before planting in the ground, accustom the seedlings to sunlight and the wind, taking it outside to a place protected from drafts. First, they are taken out for a couple of hours, increasing the length of stay on the street every day. At the end, the seedlings must spend the night outside.

Hardened seedlings will tolerate transplantation into the ground without any problems and will immediately begin to grow. Try to plant without disturbing the earthen ball. And so that the pots can be easily removed from the roots, you need to moderately water the plants a day before planting and let the soil become damp.

Miscanthus propagation by dividing the bush

Do this before frost sets in, as the bushes may die from sudden temperature changes. The bushes should be hilled up, trunk circle mulch with fallen leaves or peat. Build something like a hut: cover it with film, leaving holes on the sides for air circulation, and place wooden boards on top. Remove the shelter with the onset of spring warmth. Trim brown leaves and stems.

Types and varieties of miscanthus with photos and names

The genus is represented by 40 species.

Let's consider the most popular, cultivated ones.

Giant Miscanthus Miscanthus giganteus

It has been cultivated since ancient times. Erect shoots reach a height of 3 m. Leaf plates about 2.5 cm wide are weeping, dark green in color with a longitudinal stripe white. Overall, the appearance creates a fountain-like appearance. At the end of the summer period, flowering begins, but if the weather is cold, it may not bloom at all. The paniculate inflorescences have a light pink hue, changing to silver during flowering. Frost-resistant.

Chinese miscanthus Miscanthus sinensis ‘Nippon’ photo

The most popular, in culture since 1875. The height of the bush reaches 3 m, the shoots are erect. The leaf blades are oblong, 1.5 cm wide, hard, rough to the touch, the central vein is rough and ribbed. During the flowering period, loose paniculate inflorescences about 7 cm long appear.

Shelter for the winter is a must.

About a hundred varieties have been bred from this species; let’s look at the most popular ones.

Blondeau - height is about 2 m. Frost-resistant (can withstand frosts down to -34 °C).

Variegatus - limited to a height of 1.5 m. The leaf blades are decorated with white stripes. The inflorescences are reddish.

Miscanthus Chinese Zebrina Miscanthus sinensis ‘Zebrinus’ photo

Zebrinus (Zebrina) - variegated variety (has stripes yellow color, located transversely). The height of the bush is 2.5 m.

Chinese Miscanthus Ferner Osten Miscanthus sinensis ‘Ferner Osten’ photo

Ferner Austin - bushes up to 1.5 m high. Narrow green leaf plates are decorated with a longitudinal white stripe, which turns reddish-red in the fall. In August, fan-shaped paniculate inflorescences of a fiery red color appear; as they bloom, they acquire a bronze-silver hue.

Morning Light - compact bushes. The leaf blades are green with a white border. It does not bloom every year.

Chinese Miscanthus Strictus Miscanthus sinensis ‘Strictus’ photo

Strictus - the height of the bush is about 2.7 m. The leaves are no more than 15 mm wide, decorated with alternating stripes of white and green.

Flamingo is notable for its pink panicles. Frost resistance is low.

Sugar-flowered miscanthus or sugar-flowered Miscanthus sacchariflorus

The height of the bush is 2 m. The leaf blades are linear, drooping, about 60 cm long, 1.5 cm wide, pale green in color. The panicles are white or pink-silver in color and extend up to 25 cm. It blooms in July, remaining decorative until October. For the winter, it is enough to mulch the tree trunk circle.

Robustus is a popular form of this species; its dimensions are more compact.

Miscanthus in landscape design photo selection

Miscanthus is one of the most popular. It is beautiful throughout the entire season: from early spring until the onset of winter cold. It is used to frame ponds and decorate lawns. Large bushes look impressive among boulders.

They will fulfill their role perfectly and become a backdrop for flowering plants.

In some species, by the end of the summer, leaf blades fall from the bottom. The exposed part can be covered by planting a tall one nearby (from 0.5 m in height).

Dried flowers are used in floristry.

When creating our garden, we strive to achieve harmony in the combination of shapes and colors. Some plants serve as an excellent background, others perform a bright solo, and others will become the highlight and style-forming elements of our garden. For me, such plants are a variety of cereal herbs. Their decorativeness enlivens the garden, creates style, adds additional volume and structure, emphasizing the sophistication and grace of the whole garden history. And we will begin the story about the structural grass - miscanthus, which, as a rule, occupies a leading role in any garden composition if it is “invited” there. This luxurious plant, which has won the heart of more than one gardener with its all-season charm and ease of care, deserves at least an article to be written about it.

Miscanthus, also known as Fan (lat. Miscánthus), belongs to the genus of herbaceous perennials of the bluegrass family (Poaceae Barnhart) and came to our gardens from warm regions: Asia, Africa and Australia. But do not rush to draw conclusions about the nature of the plant. Nature has endowed this cereal with the ability to survive in any conditions, which allowed miscanthus to spread throughout the globe over time. Now they can be found on high mountain slopes, in areas of extinct and living volcanoes, in swampy areas and meadows. The powerful creeping root system of this grass ensures its survival on any soil, although it will be less decorative on sand and heavy clay soils.

The height of miscanthus depends on the type and variety and ranges from 80 to 200 cm. Sharp, hard lanceolate leaves are located on erect stems. From mid-summer, the plants bloom with a fluffy fan of panicles, and by autumn they show maximum decorativeness. The genus Miscanthus has more than 40 species. In our climate zone you can also admire some representatives.

Miscanthus sacchariflonis

The most common species, growing well in sun and partial shade. The height of the grass reaches 1.5 m and above. The root system is resistant to flooding. The plant loves fertile soil, so it is recommended to feed it in the spring mineral fertilizers or compost. It forms spreading shoots that need to be limited by stable barriers: you can dig a border strip 28 cm deep around the plant and lay pieces of slate or tiles there.
If you are planning to do it on the site living wall, a screen, a landscape background for ornamental shrubs, etc., you won’t find a better cereal than this.

If you are planning to make a living wall, a screen, or a landscape background for ornamental shrubs and perennials on your site, then you won’t find a better grain than this one.

Miscanthus sugarflower reaches its peak of decorativeness in August, when luxurious panicles appear, and in the fall the leaves turn burgundy. It will remain like this all winter, covered either with drops of rain or with spectacular frost.

Sometimes, by the end of summer, the lower leaves of Miscanthus sugarflower can wilt and expose the bottom of the bush, which leads to a slight loss of decorativeness. Well-chosen companions will save the day, for example perennial aster, low-growing barberries, clameris, tall, loosestrife. So, by choosing this cereal, you will get a real bliss for the eyes and a feast for lazy gardeners, because this plant does not require special care, except for pruning in early spring.

Miscanthus sacchariflonis in the landscape

Giant Miscanthus (Miscanthus giganteus)

A very powerful spreading grass, reaching a height of 3 m. It is a complex hybrid, the origin of which is unknown. It grows in a neat wide tussock and is not aggressive. Feels good in sunny areas and partial shade. It is not afraid of flooding and tolerates short droughts well. It has wide, up to 2.5 cm, shiny foliage, acquiring a golden hue in autumn. By the end of summer, the bottom of the bush may turn brown and bare; it is recommended to plant it with ornamental plants. Flowering begins in September, but the wait is worth it, because the flowers of the giant miscanthus panicles have an extraordinary pink color, gradually changing to silver. But sometimes, during cool summers, flowering may not occur, but a spectacular fountain of golden miscanthus leaves is gorgeous and self-sufficient in itself. I would recommend planting this cereal monster on open place to be able to examine it and experience the exoticism to the fullest. Of course, it can be combined with trees and shrubs such as dogwood, serviceberry, pine, ornamental elderberry and other berries.

Chinese miscanthus (Miscanthus sinensis)

This miscanthus comes from China, as you might guess from the name. It also grows naturally in Korea and Japan. The shape of the Chinese miscanthus bush is loose, with a short rhizome and stems up to 3 m high. The foliage is rough to the touch, with a rough edge along the midrib, linear, up to 1.5 cm wide. The ears are single-colored, collected in fluffy panicles up to 0.7 cm. Compared to other types of miscanthus, this one is less resistant to our frosts, and therefore requires shelter for the winter with dry mulch. Despite this fact, it remains one of the most desirable and stylish in our gardens and has in its arsenal many promising and interesting varieties in terms of design.

For example, varieties such as:

Blondo– height up to 2 m, very cold-resistant. Zone 4.
– height 2 m, inflorescences are large, pink, spreading, leaves are narrow.
– height 2 m, color of inflorescences copper, leaves narrow, golden yellow in autumn. The shape of the plant is round.
Grosse Fontane– with green leaves and a dense bush up to 2.4 m high.
Hinjo– height 2 m, leaves have horizontal yellow stripes. The best variegated variety.
Kleine Fontane– red-brown lush flowering inflorescences, height 1.2 m.
Malepartus– red-brown early flowering inflorescences, red in autumn, height 2 m.
Nippon- a narrow vertical bush 1.5 m high with leaves that turn red in autumn.
Rotsilber– pink-red inflorescences and leaves, becoming orange-red in autumn.
Variegatus– height 2 m, leaves have very bright white longitudinal stripes.

I will describe in more detail three of my favorite varieties.

Variety Silberfeder- a rapidly growing grass that forms dense thickets 1.5–2 m high. The width of the curtain can be adjusted by limiting barriers. The green leaves are 2 cm wide and have a white central vein. Flowering is abundant - from August to mid-winter, fluffy clusters of a silvery hue. During flowering, it may need support, since in wet weather the stems, with panicles weighed down by moisture, can droop. The full decorative effect of the grass appears only on fertile, well-moistened soils.

Variety Zebrinus– an ornamental grass up to 2 m high. It has spectacular green foliage with yellow transverse veins. It grows slowly. Prefers fertile sunny areas and abundant watering. Tolerates short drought and light partial shade. Flowering is later, in October, and in cold autumn the panicles of inflorescences do not always appear. But the lack of flowering is compensated by the decorativeness of the striped foliage.

This miscanthus variety is the most desirable for extravagant and exotic gardens. Its unusual, richly colored greenery will look great in combination with no less than chrysanthemums, dahlias, sedums, daylilies, roses, bladderwort and euonymus. And if you choose a related grass as a mate, then it is better to opt for switchgrass or black millet.

In spring, cheer up the Chinese miscanthus with bright companions, which will protect you with their colors until the peak of its decorativeness. Choose resilient, strong perennials, as well as other types of miscanthus.

Variety Morning Light- a spectacular thin-leaved variety, the width of the leaf blade does not exceed 0.7 cm. The variegation of the plant is given by longitudinally located white stripes - wide in the center and millimeter-wide along the edges. The bush is up to 1.2 m high and requires shelter for the winter. Blooms late. Tolerates openwork partial shade, short-term drought. Prefers sunny places, sheltered from draft winds.

This variety of miscanthus can be compared to a cloud or haze. So if you need a similar effect in your garden, take note of it. Plants similar in atmosphere and appearance are suitable partners for this cereal. For example, lilac, as well as peony, sage and roses. And in the spring, of course, his most tender companions will be daffodils and tulips.

This grass was born for the background of monogamous flower beds, it balances them, creates a light and light canvas on which other plants “lay colors” stylishly.

Nuances of agricultural technology

1. Miscanthus should be planted in open sunny areas. This grass is undemanding when it comes to soil, but heavy clay soils inhibit the development of the plant, the bushes noticeably lag behind in growth, and the decorative appearance of the panicles is reduced.
2. To plant, dig a hole 3 times larger than the root ball, add fertile soil to it, place the plant and carefully cover it with soil, lightly compacting it and filling the voids.
3. Water the planted plant generously. Prolonged drought is detrimental to miscanthus.
4. Fertilizing with nitrogen-containing fertilizers has a positive effect on the decorative appearance of the bush if applied in May. The second time is fertilized in mid-July with potassium-phosphorus solutions. You should pay attention to strict adherence to the dosage: with an excess of nutrients, the plant grows rapidly, which leads to lodging and sometimes complete loss of stems.
5. Many varieties of miscanthus are prone to spreading, so when planting, you should immediately install protective borders made of durable material, such as plastic or slate. The embedment depth is at least 20 cm.

Features of reproduction

Miscanthus reproduce by sowing seeds or vegetatively. Seed propagation method in our conditions climate zone less successful - miscanthus is heat-loving and, despite the high frost resistance of adult plants, the seeds located in fluffy panicles do not have time to ripen in all varieties. In addition, seeds collected from a bush you like do not always retain the varietal characteristics of the parent plant.

Vegetative propagation is more effective. To do this, in mid-spring, when the shoots are still dormant or have barely begun to grow, the mother bush is dug up and carefully divided. You shouldn’t chop it too much - there should be at least 5-6 shoots in the separated mound. Such “babies” will quickly develop into strong, beautiful bush, fully prepared for the winter.

Small requirements for growing conditions have secured the reputation of miscanthus as plants that are easy to care for, but in the first years of life you will still have to pay more attention to watering and weed control.

● In the spring, last year's stems are cut as low as possible, the hummocks are carefully cleared of the remaining foliage, and, if necessary, the overgrown turf is removed.
● Miscanthus love water - it is better to water them in sunny, warm weather, trying not to get it on the foliage.
● For the first wintering, it is recommended to cover all young bushes with an additional layer of dry soil, branches, or build a loose cover of film so that air can circulate freely. Further winter insulation will only be needed for heat-loving varieties of miscanthus.

The plants are very resistant; miscanthus has no pests or other diseases.

miscanthus in a regular garden style

Miscanthus in the garden landscape

IN landscape design miscanthuses are finding more and more widespread use every year. They are successfully used as tapeworms, alone standing plants, as well as in mixborders and discounts. Miscanthus noticeably revitalizes coniferous gardens, contrasting effectively with evergreens. With their help, you can visually hide unsightly corners of the garden or protect a secluded place to relax with a living screen.

Miscanthus and pond - a classic combination. The excessive diversity of the flower beds is successfully diluted by the lush modesty of herbaceous bushes. In addition to their decorative qualities, landscapers successfully use these grasses as functional plants for securing loose slopes and draining wetlands.

To ensure that miscanthus does not lose its decorative appearance by the end of summer, you should be selective in the selection of its partners. The bare bottom of lush bushes can be covered by planting daylilies, peonies, phlox, astilbe, the white and pink-flowering varieties of which will feel great in the sun. But special preference should be given to late-flowering plants, such as hairy rudbeckia, hybrid goldenrod (solidago), prominent sedum, and cornflower.
Graceful miscanthus inflorescences are included in compositions winter bouquets, combining them with brighter dried flowers and berries.

In addition to its obvious beauty, miscanthus is also valued for its technical characteristics:

● succulent biomass is used as animal feed and material for paper production;
● high combustion efficiency and low economic production costs make it profitable to use as a biofuel.

Miscanthus are now in trend and are increasingly used in “” plantings, a popular trend in landscape design. Naturalness, simplicity and at the same time plasticity in the garden are possible through the use of this multifunctional plant. You can create a screen, hedge, backdrop or a chic solitaire that will stay with you half the summer, autumn and winter, without requiring special attention and giving pleasure in its beauty and the sound of swaying stems.

Ornamental grasses, reeds and cereals are an indispensable inhabitant of the modern garden. Discreet in appearance and unpretentious, with their delicate texture, variety of types, play of colors and shades ornamental grasses fit naturally into a rock garden or water garden, framing an artificial pond, stream or pond. Ornamental grasses provide a wonderful backdrop for others garden plants, first of all, brightly flowering specimens.

Many ornamental grasses that have come into our garden culture come from China, Japan and other countries of Southeast Asia. Among them is Miscanthus chinensis zebrinus.

Plants of the genus Miscanthus are very close relatives of the well-known sugarcane and are perennial herbaceous grasses native to the subtropical regions of Asia, Australia and Africa. About forty species of wild and cultivated plants. In cultural gardening, miscanthus is one of the most common cereals; they are used to decorate lawns, place the necessary accents, and decorate banks decorative ponds and for creating dried flower arrangements.

Miscanthus chinensis zebrinus is a very decorative and extraordinary variety. Zebrina grows up to two meters high and differs from its relatives in the more rounded spherical shape of the bush. The leaves of this herb are elongated, hard, green with yellow-golden transverse stripes. Miscanthus blooms in late summer. In summer, beautiful fan-like inflorescences, lilac with a transition to silver color, collected in a brush, consisting of many spikelets, appear on the tops of the plant. It is in them that it is believed that the unpretentious beauty of this plant is hidden; it is they that are used to compose compositions of dried flowers.

Zebrinus is very hardy, it winters well at temperatures down to -29 degrees, and is not afraid of storms, snowfalls and drought.

Miscanthus has a powerful, rigid rhizome that slowly grows in all directions and firmly holds the plant to the ground.

Miscanthus is planted in the spring, from late March to mid-May, in sunny, well-warmed, damp areas. This reed is not demanding on soil quality, but it should be remembered that it is more difficult and slower to develop on poor sandy and heavy clay soils.

In summer, miscanthus requires generous watering and fertilizing with potassium and nitrogen-phosphorus fertilizers. In the first years of a plant’s life, it will have to constantly fight weeds that threaten to overwhelm young plantings. In the third or fourth year, when a powerful turf ball has formed at the roots, weeds will not be able to break through it and the miscanthus will be safe.

Miscanthus does not like zebrina frequent transfers and grows well in one place for many years. Replanting is combined with dividing the bush and is done when a bald spot appears in the middle of the bush due to dead shoots. This is a signal about the need for a transplant.

The gardener should remember that, like all reeds, miscanthus is aggressive in the garden and in order for the garden composition to be balanced, the grass's growth must be artificially limited by periodically cutting off the bush around the perimeter. You can also use buried metal or plastic shields around the plant.

A distinctive feature of miscanthus zebrina is its high resistance to pests and plant diseases, so even an inexperienced or very busy amateur gardener can cope with growing miscanthus.

Miscanthus chinensis is one of the most famous ornamental grasses. In nature, it can be seen in countries Far East, Japan, Korea and China. Among gardeners around the world, there are other names for this plant - “Chinese reed”, “fan”.

What is a plant

Miscanthus is a vigorous perennial grass with a short rhizome. The height of its bushes is from 60 to 200 cm. They have rigid, erect stems, the lower part of which is covered with long leaves. Their hard surface has a variety of colors. The leaves, which are approximately 2 cm wide, are very rough to the touch.

Miscanthus chinensis has single-flowered spikelets. Their location is loose, shortened, fan-shaped panicles.

There are more than 100 varieties of miscanthus in the world. Not many of them have taken root on the territory of our state. Many species of this plant, despite careful care and shelter, freeze in winter time.

Miscanthus uses

In ornamental gardening, miscanthus is most often used to decorate the banks of reservoirs. It also looks very good in mixborders. Moreover, it can be used both separately and in group plantings.

Almost all varieties of miscanthus have a fairly long decorative period, which begins in early spring and lasts until the onset of cold weather. In autumn the leaves of this ornamental plant turn yellow, red and brown.

Cut cereal inflorescences are used when they are fully ripe and fluffy. This plant is also used to create backdrops.

The big advantage of using Chinese miscanthus is its ability to keep its shape. Most of its species have the appearance of a solemn, erect bush that grows quite slowly. Other varieties are more aggressive - they quickly grow in width and clog neighboring plants.

Miscanthus chinensis: planting and care

Miscanthus is not very picky about soil. But when planting it, you must avoid places with sandy or heavy clay soil.

Caring for this plant is relatively simple. In order to prevent unwanted intensive growth, the plant should be limited during planting. artificially. The restriction should be placed around the perimeter of the planting and have a depth of at least 10 cm. But it is not necessary to deepen it too much, since the plant has a superficial root system. The top edges of the restraint should be placed approximately 5 cm above the soil level. This is due to fairly strong roots that can bypass a low barrier.

If the Chinese miscanthus has formed a dense clump, it may begin to die off in the center. main reason This is a delay in timely division. This ornamental grass must be periodically divided and replanted.

Only minor fertilizing needs to be done. If there is an excess of nitrogenous fertilizers, the plant will grow very quickly and fall to the ground.

Chinese miscanthus should be pruned in early spring, because its shoots have a decorative appearance even in the autumn and winter seasons. You should regularly remove shoots that are not as decorative as the bush itself. This plant really does not like transplants - therefore the most the best option there will be provision for him permanent place in the garden.

Reproduction

There are two ways to propagate miscanthus:

seeds;
dividing the bush.

The bush should be divided in early spring. This work must be carried out very carefully and carefully, since miscanthus does not like manipulations associated with transplantation.

To propagate by seeds, it is necessary to sow them in the winter. They do not require pre-treatment. If you prefer this particular method of reproduction, be patient. This bush will acquire its natural beauty only after 3-4 years.

In order to minimize damage to the roots of the plant, the seeds are first germinated in pots. And only after the onset of spring and complete thawing of the soil are they transplanted into open ground.

When growing miscanthus from seed, there is no preservation of varietal characteristics. Therefore, another type of reproduction is more popular - division.

Miscanthus groups

Chinese miscanthuses are generally divided into three groups, depending on their height.

Low-growing - graceful bushes with thin leaves, reaching 150 cm in height. Most often they are placed in the first rows of a flower bed or flower garden. They are also planted in the rock garden.
Medium-sized varieties are the most common varieties, reaching 180 cm. In the garden, in most cases they are located in neat groups or independent hummocks.
Tall - their height is more than 200 cm. They are placed in the background. Most of the representatives of this group bloom only in warm climates.

Miscanthus varieties

Today, Chinese miscanthus is very common. There are more than 100 varieties of it. They can be distinguished from each other by the shape and color of the inflorescences. It can be pure white, pink, brown, with a burgundy tint. The varieties also differ in the color, shape and size of the leaves. There are graceful thin, curved and upright leaves, painted in a wide variety of shades.

Among the main differences, one of the main places belongs to the size and shape of the bush. Adaptability to a variety of growing conditions and weather and climatic zones also plays an important role.

Conditions middle zone ideal for growing such varieties.

“Blondo” - the height of the bush of this cold-resistant plant reaches 2 meters.
"Flamingo" is a tall miscanthus with large inflorescences and beautiful spreading leaves of pink shades.
"Grosse Fontane" - also belongs to the group of tall plants, has green lush leaves and a dense bush in the shape of a fountain;
"Hinjo" is an ornamental variegated shrub with leaves painted with horizontal yellow stripes.
"Variegatus" - has leaves with bright white longitudinal stripes.
"Kleine Fontane" is a representative of the group of low-growing miscanthus, having a deep red-brown color and very lush flowering.
Miscanthus chinensis "Morning Light" is most suitable for growing in containers. Its main feature is narrow leaves bleached at the edges and a reddish inflorescence.
Miscanthus chinensis "Zebrinus" is a tall plant, as the height of its bushes reaches 250 cm; cream-colored stripes are placed across its leaves.
Miscanthus chinensis "Strictus" is a very tall plant (up to 270 cm), having a columnar shape, transverse white stripes on the leaves, and the inflorescences are reddish in color.

Miscanthus chinensis "Purpurascens"

Miscanthus sinensis "Purpurescence" at the peak of its beauty acquires a bright crimson color. And during the flowering period, the bush is covered with silvery inflorescences. The long leaves of this plant resemble brown needles in appearance.

This variety of miscanthus can be planted in small prickly islands in a chaotic manner. They will also look good along the border. They are used to mark the boundaries of a flower bed.

When planning the placement of this variety of miscanthus, one must take into account its meter height. And in order for the plant to have the appearance of a frame, taller flowers should be placed in the flowerbed.

Its cultivation is so simple that even a beginner can handle it. When caring for Chinese miscanthus "Purpurescence" you should not forget about frequent watering.

Miscanthus "Strictus"

Miscanthus chinensis "Strictus" has relative frost resistance. It is a powerful short-rhizome grass plant with erect stems, leafy at the bottom. The height of the bushes reaches 180-270 cm, and the width is 45 cm. The leaves have a linear shape. They have a thick rib in the middle, and a large number of transverse white stripes on the surface.

The flowers look like single-flowered spikelets of a reddish color. These are loose panicles, the length of which is 0.7 cm. They bloom in early autumn.

As for cultivation and care, miscanthus “Strictus” is ideally suited to waterlogged areas. But it can also be grown in relatively dry places. Although in this case it does not grow so much.

This type of cereal is not picky about soil, but prefers fresher soil. Does not grow well in clay and sandy areas.

Growing Miscanthus in the Garden

It is not easy to successfully grow Miscanthus sinensis in your garden. Growing it requires compliance with some mandatory rules.

When selecting and purchasing seedlings, preference should be given to an adult planting material. This is due to the peculiarities of our climate, which is unusual for miscanthus. Therefore, it needs more time for the growing season to go through. Otherwise, the small seedling simply will not have time to grow stronger and will not survive the cold winter.
The landing site should be sunny and protected from winds.
A planting hole with fertile, sufficiently moist soil is required.
Organization of regular watering.
Mulching the root zone of the bush, as the plant does not tolerate drying out well.
Providing annual feeding organic fertilizers in the spring season.

Miscanthus care in winter

It is advisable to cover miscanthus for the winter. This is especially necessary for non-winter-hardy varieties and those planted in cold areas. This cereal gradually adapts to a slight decrease in temperature. But sudden changes in it can provoke his death.

You can cover it with garden film. At the same time, do not forget to leave space on the sides for ventilation.

The climatic zone of the middle zone is characterized by the fact that here only in spring or early summer can Chinese miscanthus be divided. Planting and care suggests that after this process, several years are required for this plant to reach its maximum decorative value.

Miscanthus plantings are becoming increasingly popular personal plot. The plant is heat-loving, but the bred varieties grow well in open ground temperate climate. Unpretentious in care, fabulously beautiful miscanthus wins the hearts of gardeners.

Description, variety of morphological characters

Landowners sometimes prefer to see a riot of greenery around them, so miscanthus is used in landscape design. The ornamental grass grows wild in the tropical climate of Australia and Africa. Some varieties have successfully acclimatized to the frosty winters of our area. Miscanthus is a perennial grass whose height varies from 80 to 300 cm. The stem is erect, the leaves are linear, reaching half a meter, and have a variety of colors:

bright green;
reddish;
with transverse golden stripes;
with transverse white stripes;
with a white vein in the middle of the leaf.

By the beginning of autumn, the plant produces an inflorescence panicle, on which spikelets are located. The inflorescence may have different colors depending on the variety:

silver;
pink;
red;
yellowish.

The plant is popular among landscape designers

The plant received its second name fan plant for unusual shape: mature plant has dense foliage that resembles a fan, cascading down in a green fountain.

Wild species, bred varieties

There are more than 30 species of miscanthus. The most common types are shown in the photo.

Seed and root propagation, choice of planting site

Fantail can reproduce by seeds and rhizomes. The first method is used for overseeding. Seed propagation is rarely used due to the possibility of loss of species characteristics and the duration of the process. The seeds are small, making them difficult to collect. The most effective and quick way reproduction - by rhizome. Seeds are collected in the fall. The soil for sowing should consist of sand and peat. The first sprouts will appear in 2 weeks. In spring, sprouts are planted in open ground. A lush spreading bush will form only after 3-4 years.

In spring, propagation is carried out by rhizomes. The plant is dug up, the rhizome is cut into several parts and planted in open ground in holes.

Attention! Digging and dividing the bush must be done carefully so as not to damage the root system.

At first, frequent watering is necessary for better rooting. Propagation by rhizomes retains all the properties of the variety. It is advisable to grow fantail in a well-lit place, closed from drafts, preferably near a reservoir. When planted in a shady place, the plant may not expel the panicles, which means the decorative effect will be lost.

Miscanthus does not like clay and sand. For planting, it is better to choose areas with the most fertile soils. Chemical composition The soil should be neutral or slightly acidic. If the site has acidic soil, add lime or dolomite in the fall. The soil must be thoroughly loosened: first time in the fall, second time before planting.

Advice. If you have a pond or lake on your property, plant miscanthus around the pond. This is the most appropriate place for miscanthus, besides, the proximity of water will save you from frequent watering.

The miscanthus root system can grow greatly, so install restrictions before planting. These can be tin or metal sheets, slate The limiter must protrude at least 10 cm above the surface.

Miscanthus grows very quickly

Features of care: watering, fertilizing

An adult plant does not require special care. It is enough to monitor the soil moisture and fertilize in a timely manner. It is advisable to apply fertilizer twice a year: the first time in the spring, the second time in the fall. Spring feeding should consist of nitrogenous fertilizers that promote the growth of green mass. In autumn, potassium or phosphorus fertilizers are applied. Fantail is a tropical plant, which means it constantly needs watering. In hot weather, watering should be plentiful; if the plant dries out, it will lose its decorative effect. Young plants obtained from seeds will require more careful care.

After planting in open ground, it is necessary to monitor soil moisture.
Keep the plant free of weeds.
The soil around the miscanthus must be loosened.
For the winter, the root system of a young seedling requires additional insulation. To do this, cover the soil with dry leaves or other covering material.
It is necessary to insulate the shoots. Use fabric insulation.
Apply fertilizers in spring and fall.

Use in landscape design. Preparing for winter

An adult plant also requires preparation for winter. Insulate the soil around the stems with leaves, hay or straw. The ground part is not cut off; it serves as additional insulation. In addition, tall stems retain snow, which serves as an additional heat accumulator in winter and moisture in spring. Dried stems are cut off in the spring to allow young shoots to fully develop.

Miscanthus in garden design

In landscape design, miscanthus is used to decorate ponds. Long leaves hanging over the surface of the water look beautiful like a fountain. Can be used as hedge. At good care, thanks to its tall stems and density of shoots, such a hedge will cover all non-aesthetic places.

Combination different types or varieties of miscanthus around the pond will decorate the landscape. Planting miscanthus can be used as a background for a flower bed. In plantings it goes well with daylilies, astilbes, and cornflowers. You can plant peonies, asters, and phlox nearby. The combination of fantail with other lower plants is even recommended. By the end of summer, the lower leaves dry out and have an unsightly appearance. Miscanthus is used in mixborders, as well as for highlighting zones. Single plantings look like an emerald fountain.