Miscanthus - Chinese reed

Description

Being perennial, miscanthus Chinese forms rather large and loose turf, having creeping rhizomes. The bases of its shoots are covered with scaly, leathery leaves. The stems of this plant are erect, and leaf blades with a width of up to 1.8 cm are linear and very rigid. Miscanthus Chinese for today in gardening is the most popular ornamental grass. None of the species can compete with him for fitness and ways of using in design. His homeland is Japan and Korea, he grows in China and the south of the Kurils, settling on the slopes of the mountains and in the lowlands. Miscanthus or reed Chinese blossom from late summer to mid-autumn reddish or pink sultans, which, fading, are painted in silvery color.

Cultivation

Miscanthus Chinese, the cultivation of which requires patience, the first two to three years after planting is very vulnerable. During this period, it is only gaining strength. Since miscanthus is a perennial plant, it is necessary to plant it, having in advance thought out a place, for there it will remain for many years. In addition, it is important to take into account that miscanthus chinese comes from warm areas with high humidity. Therefore, the best place will be for him, protected from the cold wind, for example, between large stones near the reservoir. Since the plant loves the sun and fertile land, it is very important for it to be fertilized in the summer months. During this time he is gaining mass to better winter. Fertilizers should be given moderately, without abusing nitrogen.

Care and division

Periodically miscanthus Chinese must be planted. The shrub is cut in early spring, whereas in autumn and winter the plant can not be touched. Stems and leaves at this time are additional protection. In addition, this plant needs in winter in mulching and shelter. Gardeners conduct the division of the bush very carefully, so as not to injure the roots. The most suitable for planting are water-intensive loams rich in humus, moist, but without stagnation. Miscanthus Chinese, as well as its other varieties, propagates by seeds, moreover - this is a winter plant. In this case, the breeders note the loss of some varietal traits when propagating by seeds.
Miscanthus is quite aggressive, so you need to limit the growth of its roots. To obtain a beautiful powerful curtain, a restriction must be made around the perimeter of the planting site and the depth, since this plant has a superficial root system.

Application in landscape design

Miscanthus Chinese, whose photo is most often made near the pond, looks amazingly near the water. In addition, designers use it in the Japanese garden, as well as in mixborders or rockeries. As this plant grows unintentionally, it keeps its shape well, it is planted on the foreground. It looks great in compositions with asters, both tall and short. Chinese reeds have a fairly long period of decorative: from early spring to late winter, it does not lose its attractiveness, so it is often used to mask the shortcomings of the garden. In autumn his foliage receives various shades of yellowish-brown and burgundy shades. In addition, its beautiful inflorescences florists use as a material for making dry compositions. For this purpose, they are cut in the full maturity phase.