Light
Full sun for the strongest banding and stiffest stems. In part shade the stripes fade and the clump can lean.
Growing guide · Grasses
Miscanthus sinensis
How to grow Porcupine Grass 'Strictus'.
Striped like a porcupine. Stands up straighter.
- Light
- Full sun, part sun
- Water
- Low
- Zones
- 5–9
- Size
- 4–6 ft tall, 2–3 ft wide
- Spacing
- 3–4 ft apart, or 3 ft for a loose screen.
- Pets
- Not on the ASPCA pet-safe list; keep it out of reach
Water
Water weekly the first summer. After that it handles dry spells on its own.
Planting and soil
Plant in spring or early fall with the crown at soil level. Average soil is fine; skip the compost.
Feeding
None. Rich soil makes it floppy.
Pruning
Cut the whole clump to 4–6 in. in late winter, before new shoots appear.
Through the year
New blades in late spring, stripes by early summer. Plumes in September. Tan foliage and seed heads through winter.
If something's off
Miscanthus can self-seed in long-season areas; cut plumes before they shatter if you see seedlings. Old clumps die out in the center; divide in spring.
Plays well with
Plant it with friends.
Why we stock it: A tall grass that holds its shape and brings real color without a single flower.
That's everything we know about growing it. Thanks for reading.
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Maiden Grass 'Strictus'from $60.99 · Arrives alive, or we replace it
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