Miscanthus sinensis
GRASS SILVER SILVERGRASS
Miscanthus sinensis is native to eastern Asia throughout most of China, Japan, Taiwan and Korea. It grows readily in many parts of the world.
Silver Grass forms graceful, arching stems, topped by silver-purple plumes which are held high above the foliage. It grows 0.8–2 m (3–7 ft) tall, rarely 4 m (13 ft), forming dense clumps from an underground rhizome. Plants are very hardy, and drought tolerant.
Please see the germination information below, as Silver Grass seeds require a cold period before they can grow.
Type: Hardy perennial
Location: Sun or part
Hardiness zones: 4-9
Seeds per pack: 20.
Germination: As with many perennials, these seeds require a period of moist cold to help them break dormancy. The cold period is especially important for Miscanthus, as they can require patience to germinate. The cold period provides a 'winter' period (artificial or natural), and then a warming to simulate 'spring', and time to grow! Here's how this can be done:
Obtain a planting container that has holes in the bottom for excess water to drain. Place the seeds on the surface of your growing medium, and water in so that seeds just barely under the soil surface. Place your container in a cold area (but not freezing, perhaps a refrigerator) for 5-6 weeks. If temperatures are naturally cool outside at the time of planting, the container can be placed outdoors for this cold period, as the seeds like the alternating temperatures. Be sure the temperatures do not go below freezing.
Once the cold period is completed, place the container at room temperature for them to germinate. Your seedlings should appear anywhere from 3-10 weeks after bringing them into warmth. It is very important to keep the soil moist during this entire germination period.
