You can buy Miscanthus as a container plant almost all year round. Many varieties have particularly attractive autumn colors, but later the stalks and leaves wilt. However, this is no reason to worry, your miscanthus will sprout again in the spring.
When does miscanthus sprout?
Miscanthus begins its shoots in spring, usually in April, depending on weather conditions and winter hardiness. Before budding, the miscanthus should be pruned to support fresh shoots and create optimal growth conditions.
When does budding begin?
For Chinese reeds, budding usually begins relatively late. The sweet grass is hardy and stays in the garden all year round. The budding therefore depends on the weather; after a long and/or hard winter it usually starts a little later than after a mild winter.
You can also cultivate your miscanthus in a bucket. In winter the root ball should be protected from frost. Remove the winter protection from the end of March, in good time before budding, so that the young shoots get enough light. This is the only way they become strong and robust. Since miscanthus is generally hardy, the last night frosts usually do not harm it.
How big does miscanthus get in the first year?
In the first one to two years, Miscanthus barely reaches its maximum height. Depending on the nature of the soil and the weather, the size can vary, but the quality of the plants purchased and the lighting conditions at the location also play a role. However, you should not expect more than about 80 percent of the normal height.
How much space does Miscanthus need?
The exact space required by your miscanthus depends largely on the variety you choose. Of course, the giant miscanthus needs significantly more of it than the relatively small dwarf miscanthus. The former should be at a distance of a good one to one and a half meters from the neighbor; for the latter, 80 centimeters to around one meter is sufficient. If you would like to plant miscanthus as a hedge, then the distance should of course be slightly smaller.
The most important things in brief:
- Blooming in spring, usually in April
- cut back before budding
- leave fresh shoots when pruning
- rarely reaches maximum size in the first year
Tip
The miscanthus should be trimmed shortly before it sprouts.
