Chinese silver grass: varieties, care & hardiness
Harmonious design concepts can be created by using and combining Chinese silver grass in herbaceous borders. Even in autumn and winter, the shoots still offer an attractive appearance.
Chinese silver grass (Miscanthus sinensis) is a high-maintenance perennial that can withstand periods of drought once established. In this article we describe in detail the characteristics of Chinese silver grass, as well as the requirements for location and care, and also present the most important varieties in more detail.
Contents
Chinese silver grass: Origin and characteristics
Elephant grass is a name sometimes used as a synonym for Chinese silver grass, but also for other species — another name for Miscanthus sinensis is Japanese forest grass. Chinese silver grass belongs to the grass family (Poaceae) and is firmly established as a neophyte in Europe, North America and New Zealand. Typical sites include fresh ruderal areas, slopes and banks of water bodies, as well as gravel banks of rivers at higher altitudes. This perennial ornamental plant is a perennial that forms short rhizomes and grows densely. However, it also spreads by self-seeding under suitable conditions. Depending on the location, Chinese silver grass is deciduous or evergreen and sufficiently hardy in our area.
Miscanthus sinensis can reach growth heights of between one and four metres, depending on the variety. The leaves of Japanese forest-grass strive upwards, hang slightly over at the end and the leaf blades have hairs on the underside. From August to September, Chinese silver grass forms fan-shaped panicles as flowerheads, whose colour can be white, pink or red with a silver tinge, depending on the variety. Elephant grass is also a so-called C4 plant, and thus has a very efficient form of energy metabolism, enabling the plant to keep the stomata on the leaves closed on warm days and still carry out photosynthesis. Another special adaptation enables the plant to use water very efficiently.
Tip: besides Miscanthus sinensis there are other species of Chinese silver grass. These include Miscanthus oligostachyus and giant Chinese silver grass (Miscanthus x longiberbis; syn.: M. x giganteus), which is the result of a cross between Miscanthus sinensis and Amur silvergrass (Miscanthus sacchariflorus).
How fast does Chinese silver grass grow? Depending on the total height of Chinese silver grass, a daily increase of several centimetres can certainly be expected.
The most beautiful species and varieties
The variety of Chinese silver grass cultivars is very large and some of them have already been evaluated by specialist institutes. In what follows, we present the best and most beautiful varieties, not forgetting the other species.
- Miscanthus sinensis ˈFerner Osten’ (Far East): the foliage of this variety has an extremely attractive reddish autumn colour in autumn. The flower panicles are also red and have a silvery-white tip. The height of growth can be between 120 and 150cm it is hardy up to -20 °C.
- Miscanthus sinensis ˈMorning Brightˈ: this variety has white, very narrow leaves with thin green stripes and grows to about 110 to 130cm tall. In normal summers ˈMorning Brightˈ does not develop flowers. The variety has excellent resistance to lodging (buckling), a high resistance and a very good foliage ornamental effect. Winter hardiness is also about -20 °C.
- Miscanthus sinensis ˈMorning Lightˈ: this Chinese silver grass only forms reddish-brown flowers in warm years from about the end of October. It reaches heights between 160 and 210cm and has excellent resistance to lodging. The very narrow, green leaves have a white longitudinal stripe and look very attractive. Chinese silver grass ˈMorning Lightˈ has a very high hardiness and winter hardiness down to -20 °C.
- Miscanthus sinensis ˈStrictusˈ: the reddish-brown flowers of this hardy variety also only appear in warm years from mid-October. It features impressively high vigour and excellent resistance to lodging. The grass-green leaves are covered with numerous creamy-yellow horizontal stripes, creating an excellent decorative effect. This variety also grows to a height of 160 to 210cm and is hardy to -20 °C.
- Miscanthus sinensis ˈVariegatusˈ: this vigorous-growing variety also only forms silvery reddish-brown flowers in warm years from mid-October and grows to about 170 to 190cm tall. Its green leaves have white edges and produce an excellent effect. Here, too, the hardiness, as well as resistance to lodging, is extremely good and a winter hardiness of up to -20 °C is given.
Giant Chinese silver grass (Miscanthus x longiberbis; syn.: M. x giganteus)
As already mentioned, the giant Chinese silver grass has evolved from crossing Amur silvergrass (Miscanthus sacchariflorus) with Miscanthus sinensis. The arthybrid is also a perennial plant that can form short rhizome runners, so it grows a little more in width than Miscanthus sinensis. The leaves of the giant Chinese silver grass strive upwards in an upright position and hang over in an arch from about halfway. The white central stripe on the leaves is also characteristic. Its flowers are flag-like and can only be observed in our areas in warm locations or in very warm years. The seeds that develop after flowering are not germinable, so there is no need to worry about seeding. Giant Chinese silver grass thrives very well in sunny locations on fresh and nutritious soil.
- Miscanthus x longiberbis ˈMeidlˈ: this variety of the giant Chinese silver grass not only reaches a stately height of 2.5 to 3.5m, the purple shoots at the beginning are also a beautiful feature. The foliage forms very dense clumps as it progresses, which means that ˈMeidlˈ could also be put to excellent use as a privacy screen. Winter hardiness is about -20 °C.
Tip: the vigorous Amur silver grass is used rather rarely. It can grow between 80 and 150cm tall and spreads quickly over a wide area with the help of runners. Therefore, when cultivating Miscanthus sacchariflorus , a root barrier or other form of containment is highly advisable. However, Amur silver grass can also spread by seeding. It prefers fresh to moist and nutrient-rich sites in a sunny position. It does not cope well with drought.
Broad-leaved Chinese silver grass (Miscanthus oligostachyus)
The species Miscanthus oligostachyus brings with it some characteristics that are slightly different from the other species. This can make it an interesting alternative, depending on the requirements. The low height of only about 60 to 80cm is striking – even in small gardens or containers, the broad-leaved Chinese silver grass can be used to good effect. Tub culture can also make sense in that the fast-growing species cannot spread unintentionally through its short runners. The silver flowerheads are somewhat plainer than those of the other species, but the flowering period begins as early as July. The attractive reddish-bronze autumn colouring of the foliage also deserves a special mention. Apart from a fresh to moist soil, the broad-leaved Chinese silver grass has no special requirements for its habitat. The plant is hardy down to about -30 °C.
Planting Chinese silver grass in tubs and beds
The best location for Chinese silver grass is in a sunny position and the soil is moderately dry to fresh, well-drained and nutritious. However, Chinese silver grass also proves to be adaptable and also thrives on soils that do not completely correspond to the ideal. Chinese silver grass is not very sociable and is best planted singly or at most in groups of up to three specimens. The planting distance should be about 1.3 m. Chinese silver grass can be planted from March to October – but spring is best, as the plant can become well established before winter. The need for a root barrier depends mainly on the tendency of the species or variety to spread. If you want to avoid spreading in any case, you can insert a root barrier at the time of planting or plant Chinese silver grass directly in a large container.
Container planting should be considered especially for Amur silver grass, but possibly also for the vigorous giant Chinese silver grass or broad-leaved Chinese silver grass. The container should be about three times as large as the root ball of Chinese silver grass. Repotting may be necessary annually depending on the vigour of the plants. The bottom of the container should be filled with an approximately 3 to 4cm thick drainage layer of expanded clay so that the roots do not get too wet if too much water is applied. Waterlogging has a negative effect on Chinese silver grass. The substrate for filling should contain all important nutrients and ideally have a good water storage capacity in order to be able to supply Miscanthus sinensis with sufficient moisture. Our peat-free Plantura Organic All Purpose Compost is suitable for this purpose, which can guarantee a good and long-term water supply for Chinese silver grass due to the coconut fibres and quality compost it contains. The plant’s nutrient requirements are also covered by the fertilisers already contained in it. The soil is also ideal for enhancing excavated soil in the open. The planting hole is dug about twice the size of the root ball and the plant is finally planted as deep as it was in the container. After the soil has been pressed down, water thoroughly.
- Perfect for all your house, garden & balcony plants
- For strong & healthy plants as well as an active soil life
- Peat-free & organic soil: CO2-saving composition
Chinese silver grass as a privacy screen for the garden: Chinese silver grass is very suitable for use as a privacy screen, as the plants form very compact clumps. The broader the leaves, the more opaque the clumps become. The desired height also plays an important role in this case, so it should be taken into account when choosing the variety or species. Giant Chinese silver grass is used particularly often.
Caring for Chinese silver grass: the most important points
In a suitable location, Chinese silver grass can certainly be described as a high-maintenance plant. There are only a few maintenance measures throughout the year, which we describe in more detail below.
Fertilising Chinese silver grass
In the open, fertilising Chinese silver grass once a year is sufficient. For this purpose, for example, mature compost or a slow-release fertiliser granulate can be worked into the surface. In a container, Chinese silver grass should be supplied with a liquid fertiliser about every two to three weeks during the growing season, starting the year after planting.
Watering correctly
As Chinese silver grass grows particularly well in fresh soil, a good water supply is definitely important. Depending on the choice of location, this means more or less effort for irrigation. The soil should never dry out completely if possible, although well-established specimens can cope with occasional summer drought. Ideally, the soil should always be slightly moist – but it should also not be wet, as waterlogging has an adverse effect. Freshly planted specimens in particular should be watered regularly at the beginning, about every two to three days, or the moisture level should be checked.
Cutting Chinese silver grass
In the period from February to March, Chinese silver grass must be cut back to about 10cm above the ground. If new shoots are already visible, only cut above them, of course. It makes sense to leave the withered shoots over the winter, as not only are they very stable and therefore still provide interest at this time of year, but also serve as winter protection for the root ball. To prevent the stalks from bending or falling apart due to rain, storms or snow, it is best to tie them together with string in autumn.
Is Chinese silver grass hardy?
As already mentioned above, the various Chinese silver grass species and varieties are reliably hardy to at least -20 °C and therefore do not need any additional protection. Only freshly planted or young specimens can tolerate a layer of leaves or brushwood around the reed. When cultivating Chinese silver grass in a container, care should be taken that the soil ball does not freeze through. To prevent this, the pot can be placed in a sheltered spot such as a house wall. If you want to be on the safe side, wrap the bucket with fleece or bubble wrap. Watering should not be forgotten when growing in tubs, even in winter – the substrate should never dry out completely.
Propagation
If Miscanthus sinensis comes into flower at the right time, it is also quite possible for abundant seed formation and self-seeding to occur. However, this type of propagation is not true to the variety. Depending on the species or variety, Chinese silver grass itself also reproduces more or less strongly via short runners of the rhizome and thus grows slowly in width. This form of propagation is very useful if you want to propagate Chinese silver grass yourself. The easiest way to do this is to divide the plant. The best time for this is in spring, when the shoots are pruned back. This gives you a better overview of the actual size of the plant and where it should be divided. If only a section of the plant is to be removed, this can be done simply by pricking it off in the ground. However, if you want to divide the root ball into several individual parts in order to replant them elsewhere, it makes sense to dig up the whole root ball. The division is carried out with a sharp spade and the new section should be immediately dug back into its new location and watered. In the next few days, too, make sure that Chinese silver grass is sufficiently watered so that it can establish itself well in its new place after being divided.
Is Chinese silver grass poisonous?
Generally speaking, the ornamental plant is not poisonous to animals, such as dogs and cats, or to humans. However, Chinese silver grass is a plant that contains certain substances that can lead to a so-called phototoxic reaction when they come into contact with the skin and sunshine. The substances react with the sunlight and become toxic. Reddish rashes and blisters may appear on the skin, somewhat resembling sunburn. Symptoms here are usually itching and burning of the affected area. It is therefore preferable to wear gloves when carrying out maintenance work. The sharp edges of the leaves are also not entirely harmless, which is why animals should be discouraged from nibbling on the grasses to prevent injuries to the mouth.
If you are now interested in making your garden even more diverse with different winter-hardy grasses, you can find inspiration in our article.
