MIscanthus Decisions

Elisabeth — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 14:10:00 GMT

Today I started the annual barbering of my giant miscanthus or Chinese ribbon grass. Miscanthus has been a darling of horticultural fashion for about ten years now and with good reason. It is tall (eight to ten feet) and handsome, with feathery fall inflorescences that also provide winter interest. Most of the popular varieties are variegated, with either vertical or horizontal stripes on the long blades. Deer find miscanthus unpalatable because of the blades' sharp edges.

But this year I face a miscanthus conundrum. Should I dig it up and relocate it (or donate it to a fellow gardener) or should I leave it in place? It is taking up some valuable space that I could use for more of my beloved roses. It gets more enormous every year and now every summer I have to corral it with rope to keep it from flopping over the adjacent path. The miscanthus is also overdue for routine division to control its girth.

On the other hand, it is very healthy and requires almost no care (except for barbering). It will undoubtedly be hard to dig up. The inflorescences are beautiful, either outside or in dried arrangements.

Fortunately for me, the job of barbering takes a fair amount of time, giving me ample opportunity to consider the miscanthus' fate. I am sure that the spring sunshine will help clear my thinking.

Winter Interest

Elisabeth — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 15:47:00 GMT

There are certain grasses that are just lovely in the fall and winter. Miscanthus grass or Miscanthus sinensis is tall, with long blades and fluffy, cream-colored inflorescences or flowerheads that soar high above the tops of the plants. They persist through the winter and make a dramatic garden accent. Shorter cultivars, like 'Little Kitten' work well in the middle of the border.

I also like pennisetums or foxtail grasses. During the growing season the "tails" at the top of each stalk invite touching and dance when a breeze blows. When the weather gets colder they stand out like exclamation points. Pennisetum also has a graceful fountain shape that looks good in every season.

Most gardeners put a lot of time and thought into spring and summer gardening. It pays to put some extra effort into planning for late fall and winter. After all, you still need beauty and a sense of respite, even if you are only looking at your garden from the comfort of a warm house.

Growing Wise : ornamental grasses

MIscanthus Decisions

Winter Interest