Eulalia 'Kleine Fontäne' Miscanthus sinensis 'Kleine Fontäne'

Water

Maiden Grass should be watered thoroughly once a week, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. During the peak growth season in spring and summer, the plant may require more frequent watering, especially in hotter climates or during dry spells. Provide approximately one inch of water each time, which is roughly equivalent to 0.6 gallons for a small plant or increased accordingly for larger plants. In the winter months, reduce watering frequency since the plant is not actively growing and excess water can lead to root rot.

Light

Maiden Grass thrives in full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight each day for optimal growth. The best spot for this grass is an area where it is exposed to uninterrupted sunlight throughout the day. While it can tolerate some partial shade, too much shade can cause the grass to grow less vigorously and diminish its fall coloration.

Temperature

Maiden Grass prefers temperate conditions and is hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9. The ideal temperature range for this grass is between 50°F and 90°F. However, it can tolerate colder spells down to -20°F and can survive short periods of heat above 90°F. It is important for the plant to experience cooler temperatures in the fall and winter to properly enter dormancy.

Pruning

Prune Maiden Grass during late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This is done to encourage healthy new shoots and maintain an attractive shape. Cut back the grass to about 4 to 6 inches above ground level once a year. Pruning also helps to manage the size of the grass and removes any dead or damaged foliage from the previous growing season.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Chinese silver grass thrives in a well-draining soil mix with loamy to sandy soil composition, and prefers a soil pH ranging from 5.5 to 7.5.

Repotting

Chinese silver grass is a large perennial grass and is not commonly repotted; division every few years in spring can rejuvenate the plant.

Humidity & Misting

Chinese silver grass is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does not require any specific humidity conditions for optimal growth.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright light, ample space, and good air circulation.

• Outdoor

  Full sun, well-draining soil, water when dry, hardy plant.

• Hardiness zone

  4-9 USDA

Life cycle

Miscanthus sinensis 'Kleine Fontäne', commonly known as Maiden Grass, begins its life cycle as a seed, which, upon germination in spring, develops into a small seedling. The plant exhibits rapid vegetative growth through the warmer months, producing tall, narrow leaves and forming dense clumps. By late summer or early autumn, Maiden Grass produces feathery, tassel-like inflorescences that emerge pinkish or silver, adding ornamental value. After setting seed in the fall, the foliage typically fades to a beige hue and the plant enters dormancy during the winter months, with the above-ground biomass often persisting as visual interest in the landscape. In early spring, the dry, old growth is cut back to allow for new shoots to emerge from the plant’s underground rhizomes, completing the cycle and beginning a new growth period. Throughout its life, Maiden Grass expands through rhizome proliferation, gradually increasing the size of the clump.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Late summer to early fall

• The most popular method of propagation for Miscanthus sinensis 'Kleine Fontäne', commonly known as the Chinese Silver Grass or Maiden Grass, is through division. This is typically done in the spring as new growth begins. To propagate, carefully dig up the entire plant, ensuring to get as much of the root system as possible. Then using a sharp spade or knife, divide the grass into smaller sections, each with a portion of the roots. Replant these divisions immediately, ensuring they are spaced appropriately to allow for their full size at maturity. Water the new plants thoroughly after planting to help establish them. Over time, these divisions will grow into full-sized plants, identical to the original Maiden Grass.