Maiden grass Miscanthus sinensis 'Dronning Ingrid'
ABOUT
The Miscanthus sinensis 'Dronning Ingrid', commonly known as Maiden Grass, is a stunning ornamental grass that features an impressive display of foliage and blooms. The plant has slender green leaves with a graceful, arching growth habit that gives it a bushy appearance. During the growing season, the leaves may have a subtle variegation or striping that adds to their texture and visual interest. As the seasons change, the foliage of 'Dronning Ingrid' transitions to take on warm hues, displaying tones of copper, orange, and red, which adds a fiery pop of color to any garden setting. This variety is known for its feathery flower plumes that emerge in late summer or early fall, starting out with a pinkish tinge and eventually maturing to a soft, silvery white. These plumes rise above the foliage on sturdy stems, creating an airy and dramatic effect. The flowers are highly attractive to birds and can be left on the plant to add winter interest to the landscape, as they persist after the leaves have fallen and stand erect against the snow or winter sky. When in bloom, the contrast between the elegant plumes and the colorful leaves makes 'Dronning Ingrid' Maiden Grass a focal point in the garden. The overall shape of the plant is vase-like, with its clump-forming habit spreading outwards from the base. The texture of 'Dronning Ingrid' is fine, which makes it an excellent companion plant, as it does not overpower other plants visually yet provides a strong textural contrast. In summary, 'Dronning Ingrid' Maiden Grass is a visually appealing ornamental grass known for its arching green leaves, seasonally changing colors, and delicate feathery plumes that attract both visual attention and local wildlife. Its beauty lies not only in its individual elements but also in its overall form and ability to enhance the aesthetics of its surroundings throughout multiple seasons.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Maiden Grass, Eulalia, Chinese Silver Grass, Zebra Grass, Porcupine Grass
Common names
Miscanthus sinensis 'Dronning Ingrid'
ToxicityTo humans
Miscanthus sinensis 'Dronning Ingrid', commonly referred to as Maiden Grass, is not typically considered toxic to humans. There is no significant information available that suggests this ornamental grass poses a poisoning risk when touched or ingested. However, as with many plants, it is still advised to avoid ingestion as it could potentially cause mild stomach upset due to the physical nature of the grass itself rather than chemical toxicity.
To pets
Maiden Grass is not known to be toxic to pets. While Miscanthus sinensis 'Dronning Ingrid' is generally considered safe, ingestion of significant amounts of plant material could lead to gastrointestinal irritation or blockage due to the indigestible nature of the fibrous leaves. It's advisable to keep an eye on pets to prevent them from eating large quantities of any non-food plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Grass
Hardiness zones
5-9
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Adds visual interest to gardens with its tall, feathery plumes and reddish-purple foliage.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for novice gardeners or those with limited time.
- Drought Tolerance: Adapts well to dry conditions, reducing the need for regular watering.
- Cold Hardy: Can survive in colder climates, making it a versatile choice for different geographical locations.
- Long Blooming Season: Provides garden interest from mid-summer to late fall.
- Privacy Screen: Grows to a substantial height, which can be used to create natural barriers or privacy screens.
- Erosion Control: Its extensive root system helps to prevent soil erosion on slopes or in areas prone to wind and water erosion.
- Habitat for Wildlife: Offers shelter and nesting sites for birds and can be a food source for various species.
- Multipurpose Use: Can be used in mixed borders, as a standalone specimen, or in mass plantings for landscape impact.
- Resistant to Pests: Generally not prone to significant pest or disease problems, leading to fewer chemical interventions.
- Adaptable Growth: Thrives in a variety of soil types, although it prefers well-draining conditions.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Bioplastic Production: Miscanthus can be used as a feedstock for producing bioplastics, offering a renewable and biodegradable alternative to conventional plastics.
- Erosion Control: The dense root system of Miscanthus makes it effective for stabilizing soil and preventing erosion on slopes and in riparian zones.
- Thatching Material: The long, durable stems of Miscanthus can be utilized as thatching material for traditional roofing in certain cultural architectures.
- Sound Insulation: Dried Miscanthus stalks can be processed into panels or batts that serve as natural sound insulators in building construction.
- Animal Bedding: The absorbent and soft qualities of Miscanthus make it suitable for use as bedding material in animal husbandry, providing comfort for livestock.
- Crafts and Weaving: The flexible stems of Miscanthus can be harvested and used in weaving baskets, mats, and other handcrafted items.
- Ornamental Displays: Dried Miscanthus plumes can be used in floral arrangements and decorative displays, adding texture and interest to interior design.
- Fish Habitat Creation: Submerged bundles of Miscanthus stems can be placed in water bodies to create habitat complexity for fish and other aquatic organisms.
- Biochar Production: Miscanthus can be pyrolyzed to produce biochar, which can be used as a soil amendment to enhance fertility and sequester carbon.
- Livestock Feed: While not a primary choice, Miscanthus can be used as roughage in livestock feed during scarcity periods, provided it is processed properly to improve digestibility.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Maiden Grass is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityMaiden Grass is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Adaptability: Miscanthus sinensis, commonly known as Maiden Grass, is a versatile plant that can thrive in various conditions, symbolizing the ability to adapt to different situations in life.
- Resilience: The plant's hardiness and ability to withstand cold and drought mirror qualities of resilience and endurance.
- Privacy: When used in landscaping, Maiden Grass can form dense clumps, offering a natural screen or barrier, which symbolizes a desire for privacy or introspection.
- Grace: The elegant and slender form of Maiden Grass, especially when it sways in the breeze, lends to a symbolism of grace and poise.
- Year-round Interest: Since Maiden Grass provides visual appeal across all seasons, it embodies the idea of remaining interesting and dynamic regardless of the time of year.
WaterMaiden Grass, which is the common name for Miscanthus sinensis 'Dronning Ingrid,' prefers consistent moisture but also requires well-drained soil. During the first growing season, water the plant deeply once a week to establish an extensive root system, using about 1.5 gallons per week per plant. Once established, they are more drought-tolerant and may only need watering every two to three weeks, depending on the climate and soil conditions. In hot, dry periods, increase the frequency to weekly watering. Always check the soil moisture level before watering to ensure it has partly dried out between waterings; overwatering can cause root rot.
LightMaiden Grass thrives in full sun conditions, which means it needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Planting in a location that receives full, unfiltered sunlight throughout the day will promote vigorous growth and the best flowering potential. If grown in too much shade, the plant might not develop as strongly or produce its characteristic plumes.
TemperatureThe ideal growing temperatures for Maiden Grass are between 40 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate temperatures down to about -20 degrees Fahrenheit in winter. To ensure the plant's health and vigor, aim to keep it within this temperature range and avoid exposure to prolonged temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, as it may cause stress.
PruningPruning of Maiden Grass should be done in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. This allows the plant to maintain a tidy appearance and stimulates new growth. Cut back the entire plant to about 4 inches above the ground. This annual pruning is crucial for removing old foliage, preventing self-seeding, and encouraging healthy, more vibrant growth for the coming season. Pruning too early or too late can either expose the plant to winter damage or limit the upcoming season's growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMaiden Grass prefers well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a soil pH ranging from 5.5 to 7.5. A mix of garden soil, compost, and sand or perlite would make for an ideal soil composition for ‘Dronning Ingrid’.
RepottingMaiden Grass, when grown in containers, should be repotted every 2-3 years or once it outgrows its current pot, to refresh the soil and provide more room for root growth.
Humidity & MistingMaiden Grass is tolerant of a wide range of humidity conditions and does not require any specific humidity adjustments when grown outdoors.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, limited space, and airflow for indoor Maiden Grass.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, ensure good drainage, and space plants properly.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleMiscanthus sinensis 'Dronning Ingrid', commonly known as Japanese Silver Grass or Maiden Grass, begins its life cycle when seeds germinate in the spring, requiring warmth, moisture, and light to sprout. The newly emerged seedlings rapidly develop a network of roots and shoots that enable them to photosynthesize and grow throughout the spring and summer months. As the plant matures, it forms tall, sturdy stems with linear leaves, creating dense clumps that can reach up to 1.5 to 2 meters in height. In late summer to early fall, it produces feathery, pink to purple inflorescences that add aesthetic appeal and can persist into winter. During winter, the above-ground portions of the plant die back, while the underground rhizomes survive the cold and conserve energy for the next growing season. In the following spring, the cycle repeats as new shoots emerge from the rhizomes, completing the perennial growth cycle of the plant.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
The most popular method for propagating Miscanthus sinensis 'Dronning Ingrid', commonly known as Maiden Grass, is through division. This ornamental grass is best divided in the spring before new growth begins. During this time, the plant is not actively growing and can handle the stress of division better. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the entire clump of grass, making sure to keep a good amount of soil around the roots. Using a sharp spade or knife, split the clump into smaller sections, each with several shoots and a healthy root system. These divisions can then be replanted into well-prepared soil at the same depth as they were originally growing. It is important to water the new divisions well to help establish them in their new location.
