Q: I want to make a hedge of Miscanthus Giganteus. How close do I space the plants?
A:
Single rhizomes: 1′ apart
½ gal divisions: 1.5 – 2′ apart
1 gal divisions: 2.5 – 3′ apart
*Will take 2-3 years for plants to touch one another, planting staggered rows will help make a fuller planting sooner.
Learn more on our Planting Instructions page.
Q: I want to plant a 100 ft. hedge, how much will it cost?
A: For a 100′ planting you would need either:
100 single rhizomes, or
50 ½ gal divisions, or
34 1 gallon divisions
For the latest pricing, see our Miscanthus Giganteus page. See shipping details here.
Q: How quickly does Miscanthus Giganteus reach 12-14 feet?
A: It can take up to 3 years after planting field divisions for the plant to reach full height (rhizomes 2-3 year, ½ gal. 1-3 years, 1 gal 1-2 years). The difference in ½ and gallon size plants is not only height, but you get more width with larger root divisions.
All plants will appear the first year, with possibly only 1-3 stems per plant. Each stem produces many leaves, but it takes a few years for the plant to appear full. When grass is divided it takes some of the vigor from the plant. Much like any perennial it takes time to re-establish. Expect first year heights of 2-4′ from single rhizomes, 3-6′ from 1/2 gal divisions, and 6-8′ from 1 gal divisions. Moisture and warmth are the two factors that greatly affect the height of the plant. In favorable conditions you may have larger plants the first year, in unfavorable conditions your plants could be shorter. By the third year after planting you should have full height.
Q: How and where do I plant Miscanthus Giganteus?
A: See our Planting Information page for detailed information on how best to plant your new miscanthus giganteus.
Q: There are several suppliers of Miscanthus Giganteus, why should I buy from Lacy Creek Growers?
A: There are 3 main types of starter plants of Miscanthus Giganteus. We sell what we believe to be a good form of starter plant.(See below). We harvest our roots and hand inspect them, removing the older, less vigorous parts of the divisions, selling you the best root material. Other producers do no always show just what size plant you are getting. Be aware that it’s the rhizome size that matters, not how much feeder root you get. Larger rhizomes mean larger plants and a better survival rate. If competitors offer lower shipping, it’s very likely their plants are smaller. We also stand behind what we sell.
- 1 Rhizomes: These are thick, fleshy, woody looking roots, about as thick as a finger and ranging from a few inches to a foot or more. Rhizomes are similar to bulbs in that they store nutrient needed for growth and can be stored for a time period at correct conditions and will remain alive without soil and water. While we sell single rhizomes we recommend planting only when conditions are wet out, but not in cold conditions with super soggy soils, so that the roots have time to establish before drier weather sets in. We also recommend these be used in soils that will hold moisture well and have some fertility , not sandy types of soils. Single rhizomes are small starter plants and are more vulnerable to needing the right conditions to establish as compared to the larger divisions we sell. Single rhizomes are often used when starting fields for bio fuel crops, but supplemental watering using irrigation equipment is recommended. Single rhizomes usually do not grow as tall or large as our ½ gallon divisions the first year planted.
- 2 Field Divisions: These are clumps of rhizomes which may contain some smaller feeder root as well. Each plant will be different in size, but for reference a 1/2 gallon division will fit in the palm of your hand while a 1 gallon division is a larger handful and would be planted in a trade-size 1 gallon pot. It has been shown that this size of plant has a much greater success rate. Dividing the plant down to a single rhizome makes the plant more vulnerable to needing the right conditions for success. These larger field divisions will have more vigor and establish quicker than smaller starts.A 1/2 gallon field division would fill at least a 1/2 gallon container, if potted up. It is considered a good size for planting in fields where supplemental watering may not be available. It also works well in the landscape where a clump of grass is desired in short time. You may wish to plant several together if desiring a larger clump. For the very best results, supplemental watering should be available wherever you plant, but if it’s not the survival rate of this size plant is still good.
- 3 Plugs: These are small potted plants. We have experimented with these and do not choose them over field divisions. Small pots require very small, 1″ or smaller pieces of rhizome to start with. Much of what grows in the pots is small feeder root, there is not enough room for big rhizomes to establish. There is also little soil to hold the big moisture amount the plant needs. Most plugs are also grown in greenhouses and must be acclimated to outdoor conditions, or planted after the last frost. By then the natural moisture levels are usually becoming drier and there may not be sufficent time to establish before hot weather sets in. It can take longer for plugs to establish as they have lots of adjustments to make when planted. It also approximately doubles the shipping costs of this plant, which is a big factor in how much it costs to plant this grass.
Q: Do you give discounts on large orders?
A: Yes, prices are reduced the more you buy. See our Miscanthus Giganteus page for specific pricing information. If desiring more than 1000 plants contact us for a quote.
Q: How much is shipping on Miscanthus Giganteus?
A: Please see our shipping page for specific pricing.
Q: When do you ship Miscanthus Giganteus and why only bare root?
A: Our root harvest normally starts in late Oct. Fall shipping starts soon after. We do not recommend fall shipping for states in zone 4 as there is not a long enough time frame to plant before the ground freezes. Fall shipments start soon after harvest and we are able to ship even in cold temperatures as this is a very cold tolerant plant. We have tested it and found it to survive -20 degree air temps just fine, though normally we do not ship when temps are below 20 degrees. Many warmer climates will do well to plant in late fall and early spring well temps are lower and moisture higher. Colder states should expect shipments even when the weather is cool. Remember, this is a bare root plant and will stay more dormant in cooler temps. Plants may arrive sooner than your expected planting time. They will easily store in a cool, dark place, such as a garage or barn, or even in coleman type coolers, keeping them in the packaging they arrive in. Spreading out shipments in this fashion helps us not to have to hire extra help for this purpose and helps keep pricing lower for you.
Bare root plants can only be sent while the plant is dormant, or not growing. If planting in the spring it is best to plant in early to mid season for your area, which differs from state to state. Roots may grow even while the air temperatures are cool, as the soil temps warm, and so long as the ground is not frozen. The plant will then have a greater feeder root system which takes up the nutrient and water needed and it will be much more acclimated and ready to withstand the rigors of heat and drought which can occur in summer.
Divisions cannot be taken until the plant has gone dormant in mid to late October. As the plant goes dormant it stores the nutrient it has manufactured during the growing season, which is necessary for the plant to have vigor the next year. Plants can be shipped through mid to late November most years. Fall planting allows for some root growth while soil temperatures are above freezing, and plants should be well acclimated and ready to push forth growth the following summer. (You will not see top growth of the plant when planting in fall, until late in the following spring.)
Q: Once I receive my order how do I care for it?
A: Bare root Miscanthus Giganteus is packed in moistened peat moss and held in plastic bags. This grass is similar to other root grown plants, like bulbs, and peonies. It will survive fine in the environment it is shipped in. Once you receive your plants you should check the peat moss for moisture. It should be moist but not sopping wet. If you think it needs water, mist it with a hose, or sprinkle lightly with a can. Do no let too much water sit in the bag, as the roots can rot.
It is best to plant your grass as soon as possible. However you can hold your grass roots for a few weeks before planting, with little detriment to the plant. Simply keep an eye on the moisture every few days. You may poke a few holes in the bags for air movement so the roots do not become moldy. Store the roots in a cool place out of the sun, too much warmth or sun will cause the roots to grow. Some green, shoot growth is not a problem, but eventually the plant needs good soil and water. If you wish to keep them dormant for a period of time, they can be refrigerated. If temperatures are extremely cold, protect roots in an insulated cooler, or by wrapping them in a tarp, etc. Keeping the roots at a more constant temperature, rather than allowing a freeze-thaw cycle, is better for the plant.
A: You may pick your order up at the nursery. Bare root divisions are only available for a window of time in spring and fall, depending on the weather. Please call ahead for availability.
A: We commit to sending only quality plants. If you are not happy with the quality of your plants you may return them within 2 weeks of shipment. Shipping costs to and from the buyer are not reimbursed. The original cost of the plant will be reimbursed. Any guarantee after receiving the plants is limited. We simply cannot offer a blanket replacement plan when we do not know how the buyer will care for the plants. We also are unable to control the natural conditions of mother nature. These are living things and must have the care suggested to survive. If you have questions or issues, please do contact us with them. At times we will replace plants, but only if we feel it may have been an issue on our end. Each case will be handled as the need occurs. In our view we are only successful if we have helped you be successful. It is not a matter of just making money, our goal is to help others succeed and we will do all we can to assure that.
Q: Do you ship other plants you have available at the nursery?
A: Occasionally we have items on hand to ship (see items listed in the online nursery area). We can special order many bare root trees, shrubs and perennials from other suppliers in the spring only. Bare root items require early planting in the spring, so order by March. Bare root evergreens are also available for order in the fall.