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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Miscanthus X Giganteus invasive?
No, MxG is the only strain of miscanthus that the seeds are sterile. We have been growing Miscanthus X Giganteus for almost 20 years and haven’t had it grow where we didn’t plant it.
How to Establish a Hedgerow?
We suggest the following planting pattern to establish a hedge row/screen. The individual rhizomes should be planted in a double line. Each line should be 18" apart with the rhizomes planted down these lines also 18" apart and staggered. 133 rhizomes are used per 100 feet, the cost for the rhizomes is $120 per 100 feet. Planting a third line of rhizomes on the hedgerow will provide thicker screen coverage at a faster pace. This uses 200 rhizomes per 100 feet, the cost for the rhizomes is $180 per 100 feet.
How Long Before a Hedgerow Is Formed?
The first year growth of an individual rhizome is 1-3 stalks, 1-3' tall. The second year you will get an average of 7 stalks, 6-7' tall, and the third year the clusters diameter will be approximately 14", with about 25 stalks at full height (11+). By the fourth year, two rhizomes planted 18" apart will grow into each other. Rhizomes spread slower in heavy soil (clay) and spread a little faster in sandy loam. The heaviest growth is always on the new outside spread of the cluster.
How to Plant MxG?
Plant the individual rhizomes 3-4" deep, horizontally, with 2-3” of soil on top. A well-tilled bed helps the roots establish quicker if you are able to till. Once the area is tilled, drag furrows and drop the rhizomes approximately every 18 inches. Kick the dirt back over the rhizomes and step on it. If doing long rows, work in sections so the rhizomes won’t dry out. If planting a small section or you don’t have a tiller, take a spade shovel and insert it into the ground at an angle. Then, lift the shovel, throw the rhizome in, remove the shovel, and step on the soil to compact it.
Where Does MxG Not Grow?
Miscanthus won’t do well in wet conditions. MxG likes moist and warm conditions, not soaking wet. It won’t do well by a tree line. The trees will take too much moisture/nutrient from the miscanthus, causing it to grow poorly. Sandy soil will grow Miscanthus. The problem is that it requires more work every year to establish growth. The MxG would need irrigation every summer and extra fertilizer every year. Like a permanent drip line that can be turned on when needed. The MxG is very drought tolerant once established. This means it will not die if it receives no extra water beyond rainfall, but it also won't grow during the dry spell. We have sandy areas that we do not irrigate that are always shorter.
What Are the Fertilizer/herbicide Needs?
We fertilize the Miscanthus with triple 19, 4 weeks after planting. We use 5 pounds per 100 feet of row. The second year, we use a 1:1 mix of triple 19 and Urea. It is still 5 pounds per 100 feet. If the hedge has a lot of competition with weeds, you can spray 2,4-D or quintessential. You can apply the spray at the same time as fertilizing.
When to Consider Clusters?
Consider planting clusters when you want to cover a short run. The clusters will gain you a year of growth in height. It takes 2 years to reach full height instead of 3. If you want to use the miscanthus as a decorative grass, the clusters would be good for that.
When/How to Dig Up/transplant?
It’s easiest to dig them up after you cut down the row in early spring. After cutting it down, you can start taking chunks of the row out to break apart and replant. You can use an axe, shovel, etc.
Do Animals Eat the Miscanthus?
Once the miscanthus is growing animals will not eat it. It has no nutritional value for them.
Do Animals dig the rhizomes up?
There is a potential of having wildlife dig up freshly planted rhizomes. They won’t eat the rhizomes but they do leave them on the surface causing them to dry out in the sun. The quickest/cheapest solution is sprinkling cayenne pepper on the surface where you plant to deter the animals.
What Are the Water Requirements for Yellowhorn?
Yellowhorn only needs about 12 inches of water per year. This is a very drought-tolerant plant. We suggest watering the tree every couple of weeks if no rainfall occurs.
Where Does Yellowhorn Grow?
The Yellowhorn will grow just about anywhere. It can grow in desert climates and through harsh winters. It needs at least 1 hard freeze to produce capsules of nuts the next year. Without a hard freeze the tree will produce flowers, but that is it.
What Do the Nuts Taste Like?
They taste similar to macadamia nuts, but with a more acidic bitter taste. They taste much better when roasted. A roasting recipe is provided near the bottom of the yellowhorn page.