Giant Chinese Silver Grass—often called Elephant Grass—is a stunning hybrid of decorative Miscanthus and other ornamental grasses. It’s a real showstopper, and not just because of its impressive height! In this guide, I’ll walk you through:
- The ideal conditions for your grass to thrive
- How to get it in the ground properly
- When you actually need a root barrier
What You Need to Know Before Planting
Just like its smaller cousins, Giant Chinese Silver Grass loves a sunny spot, though it’ll do just fine in partial shade too. It’s not particularly picky about soil and will grow in almost any garden. That said, if you want to see some serious growth, a bit of nutrient-rich, humus-heavy soil will really give it a boost.
The most important thing to remember is that this plant needs *space*. We’re talking about a grass that reaches 6 to 13 feet tall and can spread up to 6 feet wide. Make sure you clear out at least 10 to 15 square feet of garden real estate before you start digging.
Because of its majestic size, it looks fantastic as a standalone “specimen” plant. But, if you’ve got the room for it, it also makes for an incredible, natural privacy screen.
How to Plant Your Elephant Grass
Since Giant Chinese Silver Grass grows in clumps, it doesn’t send out invasive runners (rhizomes), and it doesn’t produce fertile seeds. This means you’ll need to start with a store-bought plant. Of course, if you or a neighbor already have one, you can easily propagate it by dividing the root ball.
Ready to get planting? Just follow these simple steps:
- Measure out your spot to ensure there’s plenty of room for the plant to spread.
- Dig a hole that’s larger than the root ball. While you’re at it, clear out any weeds, old roots, or large stones.
- Give the root ball a good soak, and water the hole too if your soil is feeling dry.
- Set your grass into the hole. You want the top of the root ball to sit a few inches below the soil surface.
- Fill the hole back in (feel free to mix in some fresh potting soil or compost).
- Give it one last thorough watering to help it settle in.
Do You Need a Root Barrier?
Technically, because Giant Chinese Silver Grass is a clumping variety and doesn’t have invasive rhizomes, you don’t *need* a barrier to stop it from taking over the lawn. However, under the right conditions, its roots can reach up to 15 feet deep! If you’re planting it near utility lines, pipes, your home’s foundation, or a paved walkway, it’s a smart move to install a root barrier just to be safe.
