Miscanthus planting and care in the open field in the suburbs

Miscanthus or "fan" is a cereal perennial plant. Asia and the savannahs of the African continent are considered its homeland. There are 40 species in the genus, many of which are widely used in landscape design.

Description and photo

Miscanthus can form stems from 100 to 200 cm high, crowned with fan-shaped inflorescences-panicles. The spikelets are up to 30 cm long.

The rhizome is powerful, creeping, extending several meters into the depth of the soil.

Types and varieties

Veernik is a very popular plant among gardeners, due to its unpretentiousness and decorative effect. Consider the most famous varieties of cereals.

Miscanthus is gigantic. A species that has a spectacular bush shape: stems and leaves grow upward, reaching a mark of 200 cm or more; and then, they fall down. Creates the appearance of a lush green fountain. The leaves of the giant miscanthus are bright green with a white stripe in the middle. The plant blooms in August, but only if the summer has been hot enough. Panicle inflorescences of a pink hue, when dry, become silvery. Looks great in the background of flower beds. A winter-hardy plant that perfectly withstands frosts down to -35 degrees.

Miscanthus Chinese. It is found in the nature of our country, China and Japan. A tall perennial, forming a loose bush, over 2.5 m high. Leaves up to 1.5 cm wide, rough, with a protruding rib along the entire length. It is characterized by low winter hardiness, therefore, for the winter, curtains are mulched with dry sawdust or peat. The most suitable varieties for the middle lane and the Moscow region:

• Variegatus is a variety that forms a loose bush, up to 150 cm high, with a variegated foliage color.
• Blondo is a plant, up to 2 m high, hibernates without shelter in the middle lane.
• Ferner Austin is a bush that grows up to 150 cm in height. The leaves of miscanthus are originally painted: a white stripe is drawn on a light green background, which turns orange in autumn. The cereal blooms in August, with bright red loose panicles, which turn white over time.
• Zebrina is a variegated variety with yellow stripes on green leaves.

Sugar-colored miscanthus. In the wild, it grows in the Far East, China and Japan. Tall perennial, with stems up to 200 cm long. Blooms pink with a silvery sheen or white panicles, up to 30 cm long.And although this species begins to grow rapidly in foliage only in late spring, during the season it manages to gain the necessary mass and show itself in all its glory. Blooms in July. It is winter-hardy, but if a snowless winter is expected, it is advisable to mulch the soil with fallen leaves and sawdust.

The most popular is the variety of miscanthus sugar-flowered - Robustus, a real giant among the plants of this species.

Growing conditions on a personal plot

The plant should be placed in sunny places, protected from strong winds. If the bush is planted in a ventilated area, the delicate leaves will take on a frayed, sloppy look. A good option would be to place the cereal near buildings, large bushes or on a slope with a sunny and calm side.

Miscanthus loves moisture; a good solution would be to plant it along the banks of reservoirs. The composition of the soil does not matter much, the main thing is good moisture capacity. It can grow in poor soils. Clay soils are ennobled by adding sand and gravel.

Reproduction and planting

Miscanthus can be sown as seeds before winter, or for seedlings in separate cups in early spring. This is a rather laborious and time-consuming breeding method. With seed breeding, the varietal characteristics of the mother bush are rarely preserved, and the plant will reach its maximum decorative effect only for 3 years. Therefore, for gardeners and summer residents, this method of culture propagation cannot be recommended.

Most often, the cereal is propagated by dividing an adult bush in early spring. To do this, as soon as the ground has dried out after the snow melts, a large clump of miscanthus is very carefully dug out. Divide it into several parts, trying to damage the root system as little as possible. Delenki are seated in new areas, not forgetting to water the bushes abundantly for better survival. You can use a solution of a root formation stimulator (Kornevin) for watering.

Planting seedlings

When purchasing seedlings of miscanthus in pots in garden nurseries, it is important to know how to plant the plant correctly.

The best time for planting cereal seedlings in open ground is when the air temperature is set at +20 degrees. In the conditions of the middle zone and the Moscow region, a good time to work with cereals is mid-May.

The site for the plant is dug up, getting rid of the roots of the weeds. On poor soils, you can apply a half dose of complex mineral fertilizer.

It should be borne in mind that miscanthus is a rather aggressive plant, and its distribution must be limited. To do this, the area where the cereal will grow is fenced off with special plastic or thin iron, digging 15 cm strips into the ground, and leaving a 5-centimeter side.

The planting hole is dug slightly larger than the size of the root system. The seedling is lowered into a hole, and covered with fertile soil, compacting it with your hands.

It is important to ensure that the roots of the miscanthus are completely buried in the ground.

Care

This unpretentious plant does not require complex care, and a novice gardener can handle it.

Miscanthus loves watering, you can water it directly from a hose with cold water. The main thing is that moisture does not get on the leaves. To keep moisture in the soil longer, the ground around the bushes is mulched with chips, peat, humus, rubble.

Starting from the second year, after planting the plant, it is advisable to carry out 2 feeding of Miscanthus. At the beginning of summer, with a weak solution of urea or other nitrogen-containing fertilizer (fresh manure cannot be used!). In the middle of summer, phosphorus-potassium fertilizers are applied.

Miscanthus is not affected by diseases.

The plant is prepared for winter by cutting off the aerial part and mulching the soil with shavings, peat or fallen leaves.

Role in garden design

Plants are planted along the banks of ponds, in the background of flower beds. Low-growing varieties decorate the curbs, they are placed along the paths.

Miscanthus, which is also called a fan, is closely related to sugar cane and is directly related to the genus of herbaceous perennial plants of the bluegrass family (cereals). Under natural conditions, such a plant can be found in the tropical and subtropical regions of Australia, Asia and Africa. This genus unites about 40 species. This decorative cereal is very popular among gardeners. In landscape design, lawns and decorative ponds are decorated with miscanthus, and this cereal is also indispensable for creating dry floristic compositions.

Features of miscanthus

Miscanthus is a perennial plant and can grow in height from 0.8 to 2 meters. Its creeping rhizomes in some cases reach a depth of six meters. Stems are erect. The width of the leathery scaly leaf plates is from 0.5 to 1.8 centimeters. Spikelets are part of the fan-shaped panicles, which are 10–30 centimeters long. Such a plant is distinguished by its unpretentiousness, endurance and environmental safety. This decorative cereal is also used as a fuel for power plants, since when it is burned, a large amount of energy is released, and very little ash is formed, because the raw material contains a small amount of moisture.

Planting miscanthus outdoors

What time to plant

It is necessary to plant miscanthus in the spring after the soil warms up well (from the last days of March to the second half of May). This cereal is thermophilic; therefore, for planting it, it is necessary to choose sunny, well-heated areas that are protected from the cold wind. These plants need sufficient water and are best suited to moist nutrient soil located in the coastal area. Miscanthus does not have any special requirements for the soil, however, it grows and develops very poorly on heavy clay and sand.

How to plant

For planting, you will need to purchase adult seedlings from a specialized store. The fact is that this cereal has a rather long period of active growth. It should be borne in mind that such a plant starts growing only after the air warms up to 25 degrees. In this regard, if you plant a young seedling, then it simply does not have enough time to settle down well before the onset of frost and prepare for wintering. An adult seedling is able to tolerate even a frosty winter period normally, if it is provided with good shelter. The volume of the hole for planting should not be much larger than the size of the root system of the seedling. First, a layer of nutrient soil is poured into the hole, and then a seedling is placed in it. The pit is covered with soil, while constantly compacting it so that there are no voids left. The planted plant must be watered very well.

Caring for miscanthus in the garden

Miscanthus needs timely watering, otherwise it can dry out quickly. Particular attention should be paid to watering this cereal during a dry and sultry period. Hose watering is recommended for such a plant, while it should be as abundant as possible. In order for the ornamental cereal to grow and develop normally, it needs systematic feeding, which must be moderate, for example, an excessive amount of nitrogen can cause miscanthus to lodge. The planted cereals do not feed the first year. Then, in mid-May, liquid fertilizing with nitrogen-containing fertilizers is used (for example, a urea solution). In the first half of the summer period, plants will need watering with humates, and in the second, phosphorus-potassium fertilizer is applied to the soil. Also, the plant will need systematic weeding for at least two years in a row, then it will get stronger and grow strongly, so the weed on the site will stop growing on its own. It is not required to loosen the soil surface in the area with miscanthus.

It should also be borne in mind that this cereal is a very aggressive plant that is capable of growing and surviving other flowers. Therefore, even during planting, special restrictions must be made; for this, limiters are used, in the role of which pieces of slate or sheets of iron can act. They should be dug along the entire perimeter of the site, while there should not be even minimal gaps and gaps. The limiters should be dug in at least 0.2 m deep, and they should also rise above the ground surface by about 10 centimeters, which will not allow the roots of the plant to "jump" the border.

There are species in which, by the end of the summer period, the leaf plates located below are lost, from which the decorative effect of this cereal is somewhat reduced. In order to make the lower “bald” part of the miscanthus less conspicuous, it is recommended to plant a tall hosta (from 0.5 to 0.6 meters) in the immediate vicinity of it, which grows very well in highly moistened soil.

Almost any gardener can handle the planting of miscanthus, as well as its cultivation, and this cereal will certainly become the main decoration of any garden.

Reproduction of miscanthus

Such a plant reacts rather negatively to transplants, but after some time in the central part of the bush, the old stems begin to die off, and therefore the gardener thinks about replanting the miscanthus. As a rule, along with the transplant, the plant is propagated by dividing the bush. The division is recommended to be done in spring or summer time. It should be borne in mind that such a procedure must be done very carefully, because the recovery of this cereal after division takes a very long time and is painful.

Miscanthus can also be grown from seeds. Seeds do not need to be prepared before sowing, but if you choose this method of propagation, then you should take into account that you will have to be patient. The fact is that such a cereal, grown from seed, reaches the peak of its decorative effect only 3 or 4 years after sowing. It is recommended to sow seeds in individual peat pots, and after the soil warms up well in spring, the seedlings of miscanthus can be transplanted into open soil. However, it should be borne in mind that plants grown from seeds are not able to maintain varietal characteristics.

Pests and diseases

Such a plant has incredibly high resistance to a wide variety of diseases and harmful insects.

Miscanthus after flowering

There are types of miscanthus that are hardy, others just need a good shelter for the winter. If you have planted a rather delicate variety of such an ornamental cereal, then you will have to provide it with protection from both frost and sudden changes in temperature. In the event that it gradually gets colder outside, the cereal can have time to adapt, but if the frost is unexpected, then the bushes in most cases die. In order to protect such ornamental plants, it is necessary to cover the bushes with a film, placing it in a hut, while air must be supplied from the side parts under the shelter. Then, on top of the film, you need to install 2 wood shields in the same hut. However, before covering the miscanthus, it is necessary to cover the area where it grows with a very thick layer of mulch, which can be used as any loose soil.

Types and varieties of miscanthus with photos and names

Giant miscanthus (Miscanthus giganteus)

This species has long been cultivated by gardeners, and experts believe that it is a complex hybrid, but no one knows how it originated. Erect shoots can reach a height of 300 centimeters. Weeping leaf plates are about 0.25 m wide. They are colored dark green, with a white stripe running along the central vein. From the escape, the leaves diverge in different directions, which outwardly is very similar to a large fountain.Flowering is observed at the end of the summer period, while light pink panicles appear, acquiring a silvery color over time. If the summer period in the region is cold, then miscanthus may not bloom at all. Often this species is planted as an accent in the background. It should be noted that at the end of the summer period, the lower leaves fade, in this regard, the lower part of the miscanthus will need to be masked.

Chinese Miscanthus (Miscanthus sinensis)

Under natural conditions, this species can be found in Korea, Russia, China, and also Japan. This perennial is a grass with a loose bush. He has a rather short rhizome, and erect shoots in height can reach about 300 centimeters. Rough rough linear leaf plates are about 15 millimeters wide, with a rough rib running along the central vein. During flowering, single-flowered spikelets appear, which can reach 0.7 centimeters in length, while they are part of loose panicles. It has been cultivated since 1875. It does not differ in high frost resistance, in this regard, it simply needs a dry shelter, while by winter one should not forget to sprinkle the area with a thick layer of mulch. This type is most popular among gardeners and there are about 100 of its varieties, which differ in the shape and color of the inflorescences, as well as in the shape and size of the bush itself. These include both frost-resistant varieties and those that prefer to grow in warm climates.

Varieties:

1. Blondeau... It can reach a height of 200 centimeters. It is frost-resistant enough, no shelter is required for the winter.
2. Variegatus... In height, a dense bush can reach only 150 centimeters. On its leaf plates there are longitudinal stripes of white color.
3. Miscanthus Zebrinus (in some cases referred to as Zebrin miscanthus). The variegated bush on green leaf plates has yellow stripes that are located transversely.
4. Ferner Austin... The bush can reach a height of 150 centimeters. On narrow green leaf plates along the central vein, there is a white stripe, which turns reddish-red in autumn. In August, fan-shaped panicles of a deep red color with white tops bloom, over time they change their color to bronze-silver.
5. Morning light... A beautiful not very tall bush has narrow leaf plates with a white edging. Flowering is observed quite late and not annually.
6. Strictus... The bush reaches a height of 2.7 meters, the width of its rich color of variegated leaf plates is about 15 mm. Green and rich white stripes are alternately located on the leaves, loose panicles consist of single-flowered pale red spikelets.

Sugar-flowered Miscanthus, or Sugar-flowered (Miscanthus sacchariflonis)

Under natural conditions, it can be found in Russia in humid areas from the south of the Primorsky Territory to the Amur Region, as well as in China, Korea and Japan. In height, a bush with bare shoots can reach 200 centimeters. The drooping linear leaf plates are painted in a pale green color, they are one and a half centimeter wide, and about 0.6 m long. Panicles reach 0.25 m in length, and they are painted in white or pink-silver color. This species belongs to the thermophilic species, therefore, its growing season begins at the end of the spring period, however, its growth is highly intensive throughout the warm season. Flowering begins in July, and such a cereal can maintain its decorative appearance until October. It is frost-resistant enough, no shelter is required for wintering, but it is better to mulch the site in case of a little snowy winter period. The most popular form is Robustus; it has a slightly larger bush than that of the main plant.

Miscanthus (Miscanthus) or fan - refers to the genus of perennial herbaceous plants of the family Cereals (Bluegrass).A close relative of sugar cane, but the sugar content of the stems is much lower. The natural habitat is tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Australia, Asia.

Botanical description

A creeping rhizome is capable of penetrating deep into the soil up to 6 m. Sprawling shrubs. Erect stems are 80 cm to 2 m in height. The leaf plates are leathery, scaly, long, only 0.5-1.8 cm wide. Juicy green color in autumn changes to yellow, brown, bronze, burgundy shades. Fan-shaped panicles are 10-30 cm long. At the beginning of flowering, they have a pinkish tint, then become silvery. The flowering period begins in mid-July-early August, if the summer is cool - even later.

The plant is hardy, easy to care for. Even a novice gardener can cope with this; in return, the cereal will be an excellent addition to your plot.

Benefit and harm

In addition to its decorative properties, miscanthus is of practical importance. It is used as a fuel for power plants. The concentration of moisture in the raw material is low, therefore, a large amount of energy is released during combustion, while little ash is formed.

It should be remembered that miscanthus is an aggressive plant that displaces other horticultural crops and grows rapidly in breadth. To limit the growth of the cereal, it is imperative to dig in root growth restrictors around the perimeter: up to 30 cm in depth, it is desirable to create an obstacle to a height of 5-10 cm above the ground.

Growing miscanthus from seeds

Miscanthus seeds photo

Sowing miscanthus seedlings should be started in the fall. The seeds do not need pretreatment.

• Place 1-2 seeds in individual containers (peat pots or plastic cups), lightly press them into the soil.
• Moisten crops, maintain optimum soil moisture, and provide diffused lighting.
• To accelerate the germination of seeds, the crops can be covered with cling film or a plastic bag.
• When shoots appear, the film is removed.

Miscanthus growing from seeds photo seedlings

• To prevent the seedlings from stretching, especially in the first 2 weeks, it is advisable to provide an air temperature of 18-20 ° C; on short days of light, it is imperative to supplement it with phytolamps.
• Grow seedlings until spring, providing moderate watering and diffused bright lighting.
• Planting in open ground should be carried out with the establishment of real heat without night frosts, this is approximately mid-late May.
• Before planting in the ground, accustom the seedlings to sunlight and wind, taking them outside in a place protected from drafts. First, they take them out for a couple of hours, increasing the duration of their stay on the street every day. At the end, the seedlings should spend the night outside.

Hardened seedlings will easily transfer the transplant into the ground and immediately grow. Try to plant without disturbing the earthen lump. And so that the pots can be easily removed from the roots, you need to moderately water the plants a day before planting and let the earth damp.

Propagation of miscanthus by dividing the bush

How to split a miscanthus bush photo

The division of the bush can be carried out no more than 1 time in 3 years. The plant tolerates the procedure painfully. The best time for transplanting is early spring or early summer. Dig out the bush, carefully divide it into several parts (each should have a powerful root system and young stems). It is advisable to plant all the dealerships at once. If necessary, the cuttings can be stored for several days in a cool room. After planting, the bushes will "sit still" for a long time. Do not be alarmed, this is a normal process.

Delenka miscanthus ready for planting photo

An excellent option is to purchase a seedling in a nursery or a specialized store. Take adult seedlings, as young ones may not have time to get accustomed to the onset of the winter cold. Examine carefully for damage, signs of disease and pests. The soil in the container should be moderately moist.

Planting miscanthus in the ground

When to plant

They are planted in open ground in the spring, as soon as the ground warms up enough (around April).

Seat selection

A heat-loving culture needs the creation of appropriate conditions. Plant in sunny areas protected from cold winds and drafts. When planted in the shade, you are unlikely to see flowering.

Priming

There are no special requirements for the composition of the soil. It feels best in a nutritious moisture-absorbing soil. Can grow in moist soils (plant in lowlands, along water bodies). The reaction is allowed to be neutral or slightly acidic. It develops poorly in sand and heavy loams.

Ideally, site preparation should be done in the fall, or at least a couple of weeks before planting. Dig a shovel to the depth of the bayonet, add a little humus to the depleted soil. Re-loosen immediately during planting.

How to plant

• Dig planting holes according to the volume of the root system.
• Place the seedling, sprinkle the earth, lightly compact each layer so that no voids remain.
• Water liberally.
• The culture can grow aggressively, therefore, limiters should be installed (dig in pieces of metal, slate to a depth of 30 cm, while they should protrude 10-12 cm above the soil surface).
• Maintain a distance of 1 m between individual plants.

Caring for miscanthus in the garden

How to care for miscanthus outdoors

Watering

Young plants require vigor to root and should be watered abundantly and frequently. In the future, watering should also be regular. Pay special attention during dry periods. During this time, water with a hose to not only spill the soil abundantly, but also to spray the greens.

Loosening the soil

After watering, loosen the soil. Remove weeds - it not only spoils the view, but is able to drown out young growth, in the future, the culture copes on its own. To facilitate the task, cover the trunk circle with a layer of peat about 3 cm thick.

Top dressing

In the first year after planting, the plant does not need fertilizing, start fertilizing from the second year of growth. Top dressing should be regular, but moderate. For example, an excess of nitrogen will provoke lodging of bushes.

Three dressings per season are enough:

• Add the first one in mid-May (use a urea solution);
• In early summer, pour with humates;
• After about 1.5 months, add potassium-phosphorus granules to the soil.

Tall varieties need a garter.

Shelter of miscanthus for the winter

Frost-resistant varieties successfully overwinter outdoors even in the most severe conditions.

The rest will need shelter for the winter.

Do this before the onset of frost, as the bushes can die from a sharp temperature drop. It is necessary to spud the bushes, cover the trunk circle with fallen leaves or peat. Build a kind of hut: cover with foil, leaving holes for air circulation on the sides, install wooden boards on top. Remove the shelter with the onset of spring heat. Trim brown leaves and stems.

Types and varieties of miscanthus with photos and names

The genus is represented by 40 species.

Consider the most popular cultivated ones.

Miscanthus giant Miscanthus giganteus

Miscanthus giant Miscanthus giganteus photo

It has been cultivated for a long time. Erect shoots reach a height of 3 m. Leaf plates about 2.5 cm wide are weeping, dark green in color with a longitudinal white stripe. In general, the appearance creates a semblance of a fountain. At the end of the summer period bloom begins, but if the weather is cold, it may not bloom at all. Paniculate inflorescences have a light pink hue, changing to silvery during flowering. Frost resistant.

Chinese miscanthus Miscanthus sinensis

Chinese miscanthus Miscanthus sinensis ‘Nippon’ photo

The most popular species in culture since 1875. The height of the bush reaches 3 m, erect shoots.The leaf plates are oblong, 1.5 cm wide, hard, rough to the touch, the central vein is rough, ribbed. During the flowering period, loose paniculate inflorescences about 7 cm long appear.

Shelter for the winter is a must.

About a hundred varieties have been bred from this species, we will consider the most popular.

Miscanthus chinese blondo Miscanthus sinensis blondo photo

Blondeau - the height is about 2 m. Frost-resistant (able to withstand frosts down to -34 ° C).

Miscanthus Chinese Variegatus Miscanthus sinensis Variegatus photo

Variegatus - limited to a height of 1.5 m. The leaf plates are decorated with white stripes. Inflorescences are reddish.

Miscanthus Chinese Zebrina Miscanthus sinensis ‘Zebrinus’ photo

Zebrinus (Zebrina) is a variegated variety (has yellow stripes located transversely). The height of the bush is 2.5 m.

Miscanthus Chinese Ferner Osten Miscanthus sinensis ‘Ferner Osten’ photo

Ferner Austin - bushes up to 1.5 m high. Narrow green leaf plates are decorated with a longitudinal white stripe, which turns red-red in autumn. In August, fan-shaped paniculate inflorescences of a fiery red color appear; as they bloom, they acquire a bronze-silvery hue.

Miscanthus chinese morning light miscanthus morning light photo

Morning Light - compact bushes. Leaf plates are green with a white border. It does not bloom every year.

Miscanthus Chinese Strektus Miscanthus sinensis ‘Strictus’ photo

Strictus - the height of the bush is about 2.7 m. The leaves are no more than 15 mm wide, decorated with alternating stripes of white and green.

Miscanthus Chinese Flamingo Miscanthus sinensis Flamingo photo

Flamingo - Notable for pink panicles. Low frost resistance.

Sugar-flowered Miscanthus or Sugar-flowered Miscanthus sacchariflorus

Sugar-flowered Miscanthus or Sugar-flowered Miscanthus sacchariflorus photo

The height of the bush is 2 m. The leaf plates are linear, drooping, about 60 cm long, 1.5 cm wide, pale green in color. Panicles of white or pink-silvery shade stretch 25 cm. It blooms in July, retaining its decorative effect until October. For the winter, it is enough to mulch the trunk circle.

Robustus is a popular form of this type, the dimensions are more compact.

Miscanthus in landscape design photo selection

Miscanthus giant in landscape design photo

Miscanthus is one of the most popular ornamental grains. It is beautiful throughout the season: from early spring to the onset of the winter cold. It is used for framing ponds, decorating lawns. Large bushes look spectacular among the boulders.

Chinese miscanthus in landscape design photo

Perfectly fulfill the role of a hedge, become a backdrop for flowering plants.

Miscanthus in mixborder photo

In some species, by the end of the summer period, leaf plates fall from the lower part. The exposed part can be covered by planting a tall hosta nearby (from 0.5 m in height).

Miscanthus and rudbeckia in mixborder photo

Dried flowers are used in floristry.

Miscanthus in the country photo in the fall

Miscanthus in a flowerbed with other flowers photo

Miscanthus in the garden photo

Miscanthus in urban landscape photo

Miscanthus in garden design photo

Miscanthus Chinese planting and care in the open field photo varieties

Chinese miscanthus is one of the most famous ornamental cereals. In nature, it can be seen in the countries of the Far East, Japan, Korea and China. Among the gardeners of the world, there are other names for this plant - "Chinese reed", "fan".

What is a plant

Miscanthus is a potent perennial herb with a short rhizome. The height of its bushes is from 60 to 200 cm. They have rigid erect stems, the lower part of which is covered with long leaves. Their hard surface is varied in color. The leaves, which are about 2 cm wide, are very rough to the touch.

Miscanthus Chinese has single-flowered spikelets.The place of their placement is loose, shortened, fan panicles.

There are more than 100 varieties of miscanthus in the world. Not many of them have taken root on the territory of our state. Many species of this plant, despite careful care and shelter, freeze in winter.

Using miscanthus

In ornamental gardening, miscanthuses are most often used to decorate the shores of water bodies. It also looks very good in mixborders. Moreover, it can be used both separately and in group plantings.

Almost all varieties of miscanthus have a rather long decorative period, which begins in early spring and lasts until the onset of cold weather. In autumn, the leaves of this ornamental plant turn yellow, red and brown.

Cut inflorescences are used when they are fully ripe and fluffy. Also, with the help of this plant, the wings are created.

The big advantage to using miscanthus chinensis is its ability to keep its shape. Most of its species look like a solemn upright bush, which grows rather slowly. Other varieties are more aggressive - they quickly grow in breadth and clog neighboring plants.

Miscanthus Chinese: planting and care

Miscanthus is not very picky about the soil. But during planting it is necessary to avoid places with sandy or heavy clay soil.

Caring for this plant is relatively uncomplicated. In order to prevent unwanted intensive growth, during planting, you should artificially restrict the plant. The restriction should be placed along the perimeter of the planting and have a depth of at least 10 cm. But it does not need to be deepened too much, since the plant has a superficial root system. The top edges of the restraint should be placed about 5 cm above the ground. This is due to sufficiently strong roots that can bypass a low barrier.

If the Chinese miscanthus has formed a dense kut, it may begin to die off in the center. The main reason for this is the delay in the timely division. This decorative cereal must be periodically divided and planted.

Top dressing should be carried out only minor. If there is an excess of nitrogenous fertilizers, the plant will grow very quickly and fall on the ground.

Prune miscanthus chinese should be in early spring, because its shoots have a decorative look even in the autumn and winter seasons. It should be regularly removed processes that do not have such a decorative appearance as the bush itself. This plant does not like transplants very much - therefore, the best option would be to provide it with a permanent place in the garden.

Reproduction

There are two ways to breed miscanthus:

• seeds;
• dividing the bush.

It is necessary to divide the bush in early spring. This work must be done very carefully and carefully, since miscanthus does not like manipulations associated with transplantation.

For propagation by seeds, it is necessary to sow them under winter. They do not require pre-processing. If you prefer this particular breeding method, please be patient. This bush will acquire its natural beauty only after 3-4 years.

In order to minimize injury to the roots of the plant, the seeds are first germinated in pots. And only after the onset of spring and the complete thawing of the soil, they are transplanted into open ground.

During the cultivation of miscanthus from seed, there is no retention of varietal traits. Therefore, another type of reproduction is more popular - division.

Miscanthus groups

Chinese miscanthus are usually divided into three groups, depending on their height.

• Low-growing - graceful bushes with thin leaves, reaching 150 cm in height. Most often they are placed in the front rows of a flower bed or flower garden. They also land in the rock garden.
• Medium-sized - the most common varieties, reaching 180 cm.In the garden, they are in most cases located in neat groups or independent hummocks.
• Tall - their height is more than 200 cm. They are placed in the background. Most of the representatives of this group bloom only in warm climates.

Miscanthus varieties

Today, Chinese miscanthus is very common. There are more than 100 varieties of it. They can be distinguished from each other by the shape and color of the inflorescences. It is pure white, pink, brown, with a burgundy tint. Also, varieties differ in color, shape and size of leaves. There are graceful thin, curved and upright leaves, painted in a wide variety of shades.

Among the main differences, one of the main places belongs to the size and shape of the bush. Also, an important role is played by adaptability to a variety of growing conditions and weather and climatic zones.

The conditions of the middle lane are ideal for growing these varieties.

• "Blondo" - the height of the bush of this cold-resistant plant reaches 2 meters.
• "Flamingo" is a tall miscanthus with large inflorescences and beautiful spreading leaves of pink shades.
• "Grosse Fontane" - also belongs to the group of tall plants, has green lush leaves and a densely standing bush in the form of a fountain;
• "Hinjo" is an ornamental variegated bush with leaves colored with horizontal yellow stripes.
• "Variegatus" - has leaves with bright white longitudinal stripes.
• "Kleine Fontane" is a member of the stunted Miscanthus group with a deep reddish brown color and very lush bloom.
• Miscanthus Chinese "Morning Light" is most suitable for growing in containers. Its main feature is narrow leaves whitened along the edges and a reddish inflorescence.
• Chinese miscanthus "Zebrinus" refers to tall plants, since the height of its bushes reaches 250 cm; cream-colored stripes are placed across its leaves.
• Chinese miscanthus "Strictus" is a very tall plant (up to 270 cm), having a columnar shape, transverse white stripes are located on the leaves, and the inflorescences have a reddish color.

Chinese miscanthus "Purpurascens"

Chinese miscanthus "Purpurescens" at the peak of its beauty acquires a bright crimson color. And during the flowering period, the bush is covered with silvery inflorescences. The long leaves of this plant resemble brown needles in their appearance.

This variety of miscanthus can be planted in small, thorny islands in a chaotic manner. They will also look good along the curb. They are used to mark the boundaries of the flower bed.

When planning the placement of this variety of miscanthus, it is necessary to take into account its meter height. And in order for the plant to look like a frame, taller flowers should be placed in the flower bed.

Breeding it is so simple that even a beginner can handle it. When caring for the Chinese Purpurescens miscanthus, do not forget about frequent watering.

Miscanthus "Strictus"

Chinese Miscanthus "Strictus" has a relative frost resistance. It is a powerful short-rhizome cereal plant with erect stems, leafy in the lower part. The height of the bushes reaches 180-270 cm, and the width is 45 cm. The leaves have a linear shape. They have a thick rib in the middle, and a large number of transverse white stripes on the surface.

The flowers look like single-flowered spikelets of reddish color. These are loose panicles, the length of which is 0.7 cm. They bloom in early autumn.

With regard to cultivation and care, waterlogged areas are ideal for Miscanthus "Strictus". But it can also be grown in relatively dry places. Although in this case it does not grow so much.

This type of cereal is not picky about the soil, but prefers fresher. It grows poorly on clay and sandy areas.

Growing miscanthus in the garden

It is not so easy to successfully cultivate miscanthus in your garden.Growing it involves observing some mandatory rules.

• During the selection and purchase of seedlings, preference should be given to adult planting material. This is due to the peculiarities of our climate, which is unusual for miscanthus. Therefore, he needs more time to go through the growing season. Otherwise, a small seedling simply will not have time to get stronger and will not survive the cold winter.
• The landing site should be sunny and sheltered from the winds.
• A planting hole is required with fertile, sufficiently moist soil.
• Organization of regular watering.
• Mulching the root zone of the bush, as the plant does not tolerate drying out well.
• Providing annual feeding with organic fertilizers in the spring season.

Winter miscanthus care

It is advisable to cover miscanthus for the winter. In particular, non-resistant varieties and those that were planted in cold areas need this. This cereal gradually adapts to a slight decrease in temperature. But its sharp drops can provoke his death.

You can cover it with garden film. In this case, do not forget to leave space on the sides for ventilation.

The climatic zone of the middle zone is characterized by the fact that it is possible to divide Chinese miscanthus here only in spring or early summer. Planting and care suggests that after this process it takes several years for this plant to reach its maximum decorative effect.