The decorative miscanthus (Miscanthus sinensis) is a sweet grass and is very hardy. Only young plants and miscanthus in the pot are relatively sensitive and grateful for support. Old plants, on the other hand, do not need any special protection.
Is miscanthus hardy and how do you protect it in winter?
Miscanthus is very hardy and usually survives a winter in Central Europe without any problems. Only young plants and miscanthus in the pot need protection from frost, for example with a layer of leaves or an insulating casing around the pot. The reeds are cut back in spring.
The right preparation for winter
Old Miscanthus survives a normal winter in Central Europe without any problems. Sometimes the reeds break when there is a thick layer of snow on them or wet, frozen stalks are moved by the wind. But that's not tragic, because the reeds sprout again in spring. You can protect young miscanthus from excessive frost with a layer of leaves or brushwood.
Miscanthus in the pot, on the other hand, needs protection from all sides. Place the bucket on a surface that protects it from the cold. Thick Styrofoam sheets (€14.00 on Amazon), for example, are well suited for this. Then wrap the planter with an old blanket, a few jute sacks or something similar. Alternatively, you can overwinter the reeds in the pot in a frost-free area.
How do I care for miscanthus in winter?
Miscanthus does not need any special care in winter. However, you can water it a little on frost-free days. This is especially true for miscanthus in the pot. Here the roots do not extend so deep into the soil that the plant could support itself. Fertilizing is not necessary.
Miscanthus in spring
In spring, when frosts are no longer expected, remove the winter protection from your miscanthus. Now is the time for pruning. Simply shorten the reeds ten centimeters above the ground using sharp pruning shears. Wear gloves to avoid cutting your hands on the sharp edges of the leaves.
The most important things in brief:
- very hardy
- Winter protection only for young and potted plants
- Tie old plants together if necessary
- Pruning only in spring
- Possibly water on frost-free days, but not too much
Tip
Most types of miscanthus can tolerate frost down to around -20 °C.
