Maiden grass grows best in warm weather conditions and requires full sunlight, moist neutral to acidic soil.
Maiden Grass Care
Here are the main care requirements for growingmaiden grass.
Soil
The grass grows in many soil types though it prefers organic and well-drained matter.
The Spruce / K. Dave
Maiden grass can tolerate excessive moisture and droughts.
It can grow in sand and salty environments, so it is commonly used incoastal landscaping.
Water
After the first planting, maiden grass must be thoroughly soaked to strengthen its roots.
The Spruce / K. Dave
Water at the root level to prevent plant rust, which comes up whenever leaves are burdened with water.
This plant is best watered at the soil line, usingdrip irrigation.
However, it can also withstand winter temperatures since it’s cold-hardy.
The Spruce / K. Dave
Instead, plant it usingorganicsoil enriched withmanureandcompost.
Types of Maiden Grass
There are many types ofMiscanthus sinensis.
Loosely secure the top with rope and cut 3 inches from the ground using hedge clippers.
The Spruce / David Beaulieu
Be sure to wear long sleeves and heavygardening glovessince the plants are relatively sharp.
Divide your maiden grass every three years to reenergize its growth.
You will notice that the center might start dying outa clear sign it’s time to divide.
Here’s how:
Overwintering
Leave dead grass stalks to wave in the breeze during winter dormancy.
The stalks serve as amulch, protecting the plant’s crown underground.
Also, the waving grass makes a wonderful winter scene, especially after a snowfall.
Rust shows up when water splashes onto the leaves.
It helps to water the grass at the base only, not from overhead.
What do Maiden Grass Flowers Look and Smell Like?
The flowers of maiden grass are like wispy plumes and they do not have a scent.
They are feathery and rust-colored, changing colors as they age to silver-toned.
Maiden grass flowers best after a hot, sunny period.
Also, a wet winter with soggy soil can cause the rhizome to rot, and ultimately, die.
Deadheading Maiden Grass Flowers
Beware if you leave the flower heads intact, the plant may self-sow.
Common Problems With Maiden Grass
Maiden grass is an easy-growing plant once it’s established.
As the daylight shortens, it signals that it’s time for the plant to start dying back.
It’s normal and expected.
Well-established, mature maiden grass does not need much of either.
Pull it up, divide the rhizome in half or quarters, and turn one plant into four.
Every three to four years, it needs to be divided to reinvigorate its growth.
The bug colony looks like a white, powdery, waxy material.
and little bug droppings are a telltale sign.
Purple spots on infected stems are another clear sign.
To get rid of an infestation, you will likely need to use a pesticide.
Try aninsecticidal soapif can you catch it early enough.
Yes, maiden grass is a perennial plant.
It will grow best in full sun.
Its mature height will be about 8 feet.
The U.S. Forest Service.
