Pacific Island silvergrass, Giant Eulalia Grass, Giant Chinese Silver Grass
Miscanthus floridulus
Family: Poaceae or Gramineae
What it is like
Bloom Color: White. Main Bloom Time: Early fall, Late summer, Mid summer. Form: Upright or erect.
Miscanthus floridulus is a PERENNIAL growing to 2.5 m (8ft 2in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.
Height (m): 2.5
Where it is found
Moist soils in meadows, of lowland Japan.
E. Asia - Japan.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
The unopened flower spikes are edible.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating: 0
Plants can be grown as a screen. Although they die down in the winter they quickly attain their full height each season.
Hedge: Plants that can be grown as hedges.
Hedge: Hedge
How it is grown
Landscape Uses:Container, Erosion control, Seashore, Specimen, Winter interest. Prefers a deep fertile loamy soil that does not dry out in summer but it also succeeds in any ordinary soil that is not too dry, in sun or light shade. Plants can be grown as a focal point in lawns, they also succeed in quite coarse grass. The young growth in spring can be damaged by late frosts. This species is closely related to M. sacchariflorus. The leaves have saw-toothed edges that can cut the unwary gardener, it is best to wear gloves when working with the plant. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits. Special Features: Attractive foliage, Not North American native, Suitable for cut flowers, Suitable for dried flowers.
Propagating it: 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. 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.
Best place to grow: Hedge; Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 6-9
Growth: Fast
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist