J C PLANTS LLC	HOMEPAGE
Telford, Pennsylvania	Perennials
Telephone: (267) 371 - 3050	Grasses

Miscanthus sinensis 'Strictus'

Common name	Porcupine grass
Hardiness Zone	5 - 9
Sun	Full sun - part shade
Soil	moist / rich
Flower color	Reddish-brown
Bloom time	August - February
Height	6 to 7 feet
Spread	4 feet

General Culture:
Easily grown in average, medium wet, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Tolerant of a wide range of soils. Prefers moist soils. Best in full sun. Less vigorous with decreased flowering and tendency to flop in too much shade. Tolerant of summer heat and humidity. Clumps slowly expand in circumference by short rhizomes, but retain tight clump shape. Foliage should be left standing throughout the winter for visual interest and to provide protection for the crowns. Cut foliage to the ground in late winter just before new shoots appear.

Noteworthy Characteristics:
'Strictus', commonly known as porcupine grass, is noted for its horizontally banded foliage and upright, columnar habit in which the erect leaf blades purportedly resemble porcupine quills. It typically grows in an upright clump to 5-6' tall with the flower plumes raising total overall height to 8-9' tall. Features medium green leaves variegated with yellow horizontal bands. Foliage fades to tan after frost. Tiny reddish-bronze flowers, gradually turning into silvery plumes in fall. Flower plumes persist well into winter providing good winter interest. Good deer resistance.
Problems:
No frequently occurring insect or disease problems. In some areas of the U.S., Miscanthus mealybug and Miscanthus blight are becoming significant problems. Miscanthus mealybug causes stunted growth and is difficult to eradicate because it lives inside the stems. Miscanthus blight is a fungal disease which attacks the blades and sheaths.
Uses:
Versatile ornamental grass. Accent, specimen, grouping, mass or screen. Borders, meadows, wild gardens, cottage gardens, naturalized areas.