Eulalia 'Yakushima Dwarf' Miscanthus sinensis 'Yakushima Dwarf'
ABOUT
A compact deciduous grass to 80cm tall, forming a clump of narrow leaves, with feathery pale brown flowerheads in mid autumn
About this plant
NamesFamily
Poaceae.
Synonyms
Maiden Grass, Eulalia, Japanese Silver Grass, Porcupine Grass, Zebra Grass, Chinese Silver Grass, Dwarf Maiden Grass.
Common names
Miscanthus sinensis 'Yakushima Dwarf'.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.6 meters)
Plant type
Grass
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Adds an aesthetic appeal to gardens with its fine-textured foliage and graceful habit.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is quite drought-resistant, requiring minimal watering.
- Low Maintenance: Requires little care beyond initial planting and occasional trimming.
- Seasonal Interest: Exhibits vibrant autumn color and provides visual interest in the winter landscape with its standing foliage and flower heads.
- Erosion Control: Its dense root system helps stabilize soil and prevent erosion.
- Wildlife Habitat: Provides shelter and food for birds and insects throughout various seasons.
- Compact Size: 'Yakushima Dwarf' is a smaller variety, ideal for smaller gardens or spaces with limited room.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Miscanthus sinensis 'Yakushima Dwarf', commonly known as Maiden Grass, can be used in the creation of biodiesel due to its high biomass yield.
- Maiden Grass can be utilized in crafts, such as basket weaving or making decorative brooms, because of its sturdy and pliable stalks.
- The dried foliage of Maiden Grass can serve as ornamental filler for floral arrangements, adding texture and interest with its fine leaves and feathery plumes.
- The plant's clumps can be strategically placed in landscapes to control soil erosion on slopes, as their root systems help to bind the soil.
- Maiden Grass can be part of a wildlife-friendly garden, offering shelter to small animals and birds during harsh weather conditions.
- The tall and dense growth habit of Maiden Grass can be used to create natural privacy screens or living fences in gardens and backyards.
- It can be incorporated into themed gardens, such as Asian or prairie-style gardens, to provide an authentic aesthetic due to its origin and structure.
- The seeds of Maiden Grass can be offered to birds in the winter, as many species will eat them after the flowering period.
- When established in grouped plantings, Maiden Grass can serve as a windbreak, reducing wind speed and protecting delicate plants in the vicinity.
- The dry stalks of Maiden Grass can be used as a natural fire starter for campfires or fire pits, as they catch flame quickly when thoroughly dried out.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiMiscanthus is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityMiscanthus is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Miscanthus sinensis, commonly known as Maiden Grass, is renowned for its ability to thrive in a variety of conditions, symbolizing adaptability and endurance through life’s challenges.
- Growth: The grass has a natural growth habit that signifies personal growth and development, reminding us of the importance of continual self-improvement.
- Privacy: With its dense foliage, Maiden Grass is often used as a privacy screen in gardens, symbolizing the need for personal space and boundaries.
- Elegance: The fine leaves and feathery plumes of Maiden Grass exude an air of elegance and grace, often associated with refined beauty and poise.
- Time: As a perennial plant that changes with the seasons, Maiden Grass symbolizes the passage of time and the cyclical nature of life.
- Balance: The upright form and structure of the grass provide a sense of balance and stability, emphasizing the importance of staying grounded.
WaterMaiden Grass, commonly known as 'Yakushima Dwarf' Miscanthus, should be watered deeply once a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 inches of water each time. The soil should be allowed to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. During hot dry spells, it may need additional water. Make sure to water the base of the plant, avoiding overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal diseases. In cooler seasons or rainy periods, reduce the frequency to prevent overwatering.
LightMaiden Grass thrives in full sunlight and should be placed in a location where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. It can also tolerate partial shade, but too much shade will reduce its vigor and density. An ideal spot would be open and not overshadowed by taller structures or plants.
TemperatureMaiden Grass is hardy and can survive temperatures down to about -20°F but prefers a temperature range between 50°F and 75°F for optimal growth. Extreme heat above 90°F can stress the plant, so providing some afternoon shade in intensely hot climates can be beneficial.
PruningMaiden Grass should be pruned to maintain its shape and remove dead foliage. The best time to prune 'Yakushima Dwarf' is late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Cut the plant back to about 4 to 6 inches above ground level. This annual pruning helps rejuvenate the grass and encourages robust new growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMaiden Grass (Miscanthus sinensis 'Yakushima Dwarf') thrives best in a well-draining soil mix comprising loam, compost, and a small amount of sand, ensuring proper drainage and fertility. The ideal soil pH for this plant should be mildly acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.5 to 7.0.
RepottingMaiden Grass doesn't generally require frequent repotting as it is predominantly grown outdoors and can spread through rhizomes. However, if grown in a container, repotting every 2-3 years is sufficient, preferably in the spring.
Humidity & MistingMaiden Grass prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable and can tolerate the humidity conditions most commonly found outdoors. It does not require specific humidity adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow Maiden Grass near a sunny window and ensure proper spacing.
Outdoor
Plant Maiden Grass in full sun to light shade and space them well.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Miscanthus sinensis 'Yakushima Dwarf', also known as Maiden Grass, begins with seed germination in spring after a period of moist cold stratification, which can mimic winter conditions. The seedlings soon produce a tuft of grass-like foliage, and the plant develops into a dense clump of upright stems with arching leaves as it matures throughout the growing season. In the second or third year, the plant reaches maturity and produces feathery, silver-purple plumes, usually in late summer or fall, that later turn into a silver or white color as they go to seed. After the first frost, foliage turns to a coppery or tan hue, providing winter interest, even as the plant enters dormancy. In early spring, prior to new growth, gardeners often cut back the previous year's dead foliage to make room for new shoots. This perennial grass typically lives for several years, with the cycle of growth, flowering, seed production, and dormancy repeating annually.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating Miscanthus sinensis 'Yakushima Dwarf', commonly known as Maiden Grass or Japanese Silver Grass, is by division. This process is ideally done in the late winter to early spring, just before new growth begins. To propagate by division, carefully dig up an established clump of the grass and gently separate it into smaller sections. Each section should have a piece of the root system. Once the clump is divided, replant the sections at the same depth they were originally growing, spacing them about 18 to 24 inches (approximately 45 to 61 cm) apart, to allow for ample growth. Water the newly planted divisions well to help establish them. This straightforward method is effective for expanding your garden or sharing with fellow gardeners.
