Miscanthus floridulus - (Labill.)Warb.
(Labill.)Warb.
Pacific Island silvergrass, Giant Eulalia Grass, Giant Chinese Silver Grass
gbif· cc0
葉子
gbif· cc0
葉子
gbif· cc-by
Eric Knight
Description
Miscanthus floridulus is a PERENNIAL growing to 2.5 m (8ft 2in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.
Edible Uses
The unopened flower spikes are edible.
Distribution
E. Asia - Japan.
Where It Grows
TEMPERATE ASIA: China (Anhui Sheng, Fujian Sheng, Guangdong Sheng, Guangxi Zhuangzu Zizhiqu, Guizhou Sheng, Hainan Sheng, Henan Sheng, Hubei Sheng, Jiangsu Sheng, Jiangxi Sheng, Sichuan Sheng, Yunnan Sheng, Zhejiang Sheng), Hong Kong, Japan (Honshu (east), Kyushu, Ryukyu Islands, Shikoku), Taiwan TROPICAL ASIA: Indochina, Indonesia (Jawa), Malaysia, Philippines PACIFIC: French Polynesia, Fiji
Cultivation
Prefers a deep fertile loamy soil that does not dry out in summer but it also succeeds in any ordinary soil that is not too dry, in sun or light shade. Plants can be grown as a focal point in lawns, they also succeed in quite coarse grass. The young growth in spring can be damaged by late frosts. This species is closely related to M. sacchariflorus. The leaves have saw-toothed edges that can cut the unwary gardener, it is best to wear gloves when working with the plant. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits.
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. 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.
Other Uses
Hedge Hedge. Plants can be grown as a screen. Although they die down in the winter they quickly attain their full height each season.
