Hedges are becoming increasingly popular as borders on properties or as privacy screens from neighbors. You don't always have to use relatively rigid and maintenance-intensive bushes; you can also plant a decorative hedge from miscanthus.
How do I plant and care for a Chinese reed hedge?
For a miscanthus hedge, you should choose clumping varieties or use a rhizome barrier. The plants should be planted more densely than with solitary planting. Easy-care miscanthus requires regular pruning in spring and annual fertilization.
Which miscanthus is best for a hedge?
Some varieties of miscanthus form long runners, so-called rhizomes, and sometimes spread widely throughout the garden. If you use one of these varieties for a hedge, it will be difficult to keep it under control. To do this, you absolutely need a rhizome barrier, which is best placed in the ground when planting. Therefore, Chinese reeds that grow in clumps are better suited for a hedge.
How do I plant a miscanthus hedge?
Miscanthus needs a relatively large amount of space, depending on the variety. You can find relevant information on the plant label. To ensure adequate privacy for the hedge, you should plant the individual reed plants a little closer than recommended on the label. Don't worry, the miscanthus grows quite quickly and will soon fill in the existing gaps.
How do I care for a Chinese reed hedge?
Miscanthus is generally considered to be quite easy to care for, and this also applies to a hedge. Once the plants have grown well, they do not need any special attention during the entire vegetation phase, provided they are in an optimal location. However, during a longer dry period, miscanthus is happy about some water.
In the spring you should cut your miscanthus about ten centimeters above the ground as usual. After this pruning, the reeds sprout new, fresh stalks and leaves. Spring is also the time to fertilize. A small portion of complete or slow-release fertilizer should be enough. In particularly nutrient-rich soil, you can even forego fertilization altogether.
The most important things in brief:
- Choose miscanthus that grows clumps or set a rhizome barrier
- maintain a slightly smaller planting distance than with solitary planting
- Water reeds well before planting
- water sufficiently when it is dry
- supply with complete fertilizer every year
- Cut back hedges regularly in spring
Tip
A miscanthus hedge offers you privacy without appearing compact.
