Maiden Grass Miscanthus sinensis 'Ghana'
ABOUT
Miscanthus sinensis 'Ghana', commonly known as Maiden Grass, is an ornamental grass that boasts an elegant appearance. It has a clump-forming habit, creating a dense and lush look within a garden setting. The foliage of 'Ghana' radiates warmth with its rich, burgundy-red leaves that run vertically up each blade. As the season progresses, the color tends to deepen, offering a captivating display. During the late summer to fall, this Maiden Grass variety produces feathery flower plumes that emerge above the foliage, adding texture and movement to the plant's profile. These plumes start off with a reddish tint and gradually shift to a silvery tone as they mature and catch the light. This creates a stunning visual contrast against the darker leaves. The leaves themselves are long and narrow, with a graceful arching form that sways in the breeze. This movement can add an additional element of interest to any garden or landscape. The plant maintains its structure throughout the growing season and even into the winter months, providing a long period of visual interest. Overall, Miscanthus sinensis 'Ghana' has a striking appearance with its combination of richly colored foliage and airy, attractive flower plumes that together create a beautiful display of color, texture, and form, making it a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a dramatic accent to their outdoor spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Poaceae.
Synonyms
Maiden Grass, Chinese Silver Grass, Eulalia, Japanese Silver Grass, Porcupine Grass, Zebra Grass.
Common names
Miscanthus sinensis 'Ghana'.
ToxicityTo humans
Maiden grass is not known to be toxic to humans. There are no significant reports of poisoning from ingesting any part of this plant. As with any non-food plant, it is not advisable to consume it due to the risk of gastrointestinal discomfort or allergic reaction, but maiden grass does not contain known toxins that would cause specific poisoning symptoms in humans.
To pets
Maiden grass is generally considered non-toxic to pets. It does not contain any known toxic elements that would cause poisoning if pets ingest parts of this plant. However, ingestion of large amounts of plant material could potentially lead to gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea, due to the physical nature of the plant material rather than chemical toxicity.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters)
Spread
3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 meters)
Plant type
Grass
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental value: Adds visual interest to landscapes with its tall, elegant stature and feathery plumes.
- Drought tolerance: Once established, it requires minimal watering and can withstand periods of dry weather.
- Low maintenance: It needs little care beyond planting and occasional cutting back, making it ideal for gardeners seeking low-maintenance options.
- Erosion control: Its robust root system helps stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes or in areas prone to soil degradation.
- Seasonal interest: Offers year-round interest with changing foliage colors and textures throughout the seasons.
- Wildlife habitat: Provides shelter and food for birds and beneficial insects, contributing to local biodiversity.
- Privacy screen: With its dense growth habit, it can act as an effective, natural privacy screen or windbreak.
- Adaptability: It can thrive in a range of soil types and environmental conditions, making it suitable for various landscapes.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Biomass Production: Miscanthus sinensis 'Ghana', commonly known as Maiden Grass, is cultivated for biomass, producing a high yield of plant material that can be converted into bioenergy or biofuels.
- Erosion Control: Maiden Grass can be used in landscaping to stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes due to its dense root system.
- Animal Bedding: The dried foliage of Maiden Grass can be processed into animal bedding for livestock due to its high absorbency and soft texture.
- Paper Making: The fibers from Miscanthus sinensis 'Ghana' can be used in the production of specialty papers and cardboard, offering a sustainable alternative to wood pulp.
- Building Materials: Compressed Miscanthus stalks can be used as an eco-friendly material for building insulation or biodegradable planting pots.
- Crafts and Weaving: The long, pliable stems of Maiden Grass can be utilized in basketry and weaving for decorative or functional items.
- Sound Barriers: When planted in dense rows, Maiden Grass can act as a natural sound barrier for highways or industrial areas, helping to reduce noise pollution.
- Aquatic Plant Substitute: Maiden Grass can be used in water garden design as a substitute for aquatic plants, providing vertical accents without the need for a submerged growing environment.
- Fiber for Upholstery: The fibrous material from the plant can be incorporated into textiles for furniture upholstery, offering a sustainable fabric option.
- Artistic Sculptures: Artists may use Maiden Grass canes to create natural sculptures or as a medium in land art installations for their durability and aesthetic appeal.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Maiden Grass is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Maiden Grass is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Miscanthus sinensis, commonly known as Maiden Grass, often symbolizes resilience due to its ability to withstand harsh conditions and still stand tall and graceful.
- Adaptability: Since Maiden Grass can thrive in a variety of climates, it is often associated with adaptability and versatility.
- Beauty: With its slender leaves and feathery plumes, Maiden Grass is commonly a symbol of natural beauty and elegance.
WaterMaiden Grass should be watered deeply once a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 inches of water each time. Ensure that the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogging; clay soils may need less frequent watering. During hot or dry spells, increase the frequency to twice a week. It's best to water early in the morning to reduce evaporation and allow the foliage to dry out during the day. As a guideline, provide approximately 0.62 gallons per square yard per week during the growing season.
LightMaiden Grass thrives best in full sun conditions where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Position the plant in an area with unobstructed sun exposure for optimum growth and flowering. While it can tolerate some light shade, too much will result in less vigorous growth and fewer plumes.
TemperatureMaiden Grass is best suited to temperate climates and can withstand temperatures as low as 5°F in winter, making it hardy in most USDA zones. The plant prefers temperatures between 75°F and 85°F during its active growing season. Extreme heat above 95°F may stress the plant, while it remains dormant in winter and can survive brief periods of colder weather.
PruningPrune Maiden Grass in late winter or early spring before new growth starts, cutting back to about 4-6 inches above the ground to encourage fresh growth. It is not necessary to prune the grass during the growing season unless you wish to remove dead or damaged foliage. Pruning annually will maintain the plant's shape and promote healthier, more vigorous growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMaiden Grass prefers a well-draining soil mix with loamy or sandy composition. The pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.5 to 7.0.
RepottingMaiden Grass planted in containers may be repotted or divided every 2 to 3 years to maintain vigor and health.
Humidity & MistingMaiden Grass is adaptable and does not require specific humidity levels, making it suitable for a variety of outdoor conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light, limit size in pots, and ensure good air flow.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, space well, and ensure soil drainage.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleMiscanthus sinensis 'Ghana', commonly known as Maiden Grass 'Ghana', begins its life cycle as a seed, which upon germination in spring develops into a seedling. The plant establishes a strong rhizome system underground which fuels its perennial growth. Throughout the spring and summer, the foliage expands, becoming dense and clump-forming with arching leaves that can reach several feet in height. In late summer to early fall, it produces copper-colored flower plumes that mature to a cream or silver shade, adding to its ornamental value. As winter approaches, the above-ground foliage dies back while the rhizomes remain dormant underground. The cycle recommences in the following spring when new growth emerges from the rhizomes, with the plant gradually increasing in size over the years.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
Miscanthus sinensis 'Ghana', commonly known as Maiden Grass, is best propagated by division in the spring, just before new growth commences. To propagate by division, carefully dig up an established clump and use a spade or sharp knife to split the root mass into smaller sections. Each section should have a good amount of roots and several shoots or growing points. These divisions can then be replanted in well-prepared soil, spaced approximately 3 to 4 feet apart (about 1 to 1.2 meters), which allows sufficient space for the plants to mature. Water the new plants thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots and help them establish.
