Miscanthus sacchariflorus - Amur Silver Grass

Family:	Gramineae
Habit:	Perennial
Height:	3
Width:	2
Synonyms:	M. saccharifer. Imperata sacchariflora.
Range:	E. Asia - China.

Miscanthus sacchariflorus (Amur Silver Grass) is a Perennial which grows to a height of 3m and a width of 2m . It has a fast growth rate. It has a hardness rating of 8and is quite resiliant to frost.
Amur Silver Grass will flower in February to April. The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by Wind

Soil Information

Amur Silver Grass will grow in light (sandy),medium (loamy),hard (clay) soil. It is / is important for the soil to be well drained.
The soil prefers the following PH / acid levels :
- pH of less than 6, Acidic soils
- pH between 6 and 8, Neutral soils
- pH greater than 8, Basic soils
Amur Silver Grass prefers moist soils

Ideal Planting Locations

Amur Silver Grass can grow in semi or areas with no shade.

Flood plains and river banks in meadows in Amur[74, 200].

Planting places suited to this plant described below.

• Can be planted in Cultivated Beds
• Can be used as a hedge

Cultivation Details

Prefers a deep fertile loamy soil that does not dry out in summer[200] but succeeds in any ordinary soil that is not too dry[1, 162], in sun or light shade[200]. Very wind tolerant. Plants can be grown as a focal point in lawns, they also succeed in quite coarse grass[233]. This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c when fully dormant[200], though the young growth in spring can be damaged by late frosts. Closely related to M. floridulus[233]. The leaves have saw-toothed edges and can cut the unwary gardener, it is best to wear gloves when working with the plant[200]. A rhizomatous plant, but it is slow to spread[188]. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[233].

Edible Uses*

* See disclaimer
Edible Rating: 0/5
None known

Medicinal Uses*

* See disclaimer
Medicinal Rating: 0/5
None known

Propagation

Seed - surface sow in spring in a greenhouse and keep moist. Germination should take place within a couple of weeks. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in spring or early autumn[200]. Very easy, large divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer.

Known Hazards

None known

Other Uses

Very wind hardy, succeeding in maritime exposure, it can be grown as a shelter hedge though it dies down in winter[K]. Although they die down in the winter they quickly attain their full height each season[200].

• Hedge - Plants that can be grown as hedges.

Cultivars

no recorded cultivars

References

Flora of the USSR.
Komarov. V. L.
Author: Komarov. V. L.
Rating:
Publisher : An immense (25 or more large volumes) and not yet completed translation of the Russian flora. Full of information on plant uses and habitats but heavy going for casual readers.
Date of Publication : 1968

The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Huxley. A.
Author: Huxley. A.
Rating:
Publisher : Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
Date of Publication : 1992

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