How Close to the House Can You Plant Maiden Grass?

Maiden grass is in the genus Miscanthus, a group of decorative grasses. Maiden grass (Miscanthus sinensis) is an elegant ornamental grass that can grow up to 8 feet tall. It is a large plant that needs room for it's graceful, waving leaf blades. It is a fast-growing grass, hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture planting zones 4 to 9. The grass forms feathery plumes in summer that make wonderful dried displays. Maiden grass can get up to 6 feet wide in proper habitat and growing conditions.

• 1

  Dig a hole in a damp but sunny location at least 6 to 8 feet away from the house. The hole needs to be several inches wider than the root ball on the maiden grass and at least 2 inches deeper. Work in 2 inches of sand at the bottom of the hole to increase the drainage. Maiden grass is from Asia and needs moist conditions, but the roots should not sit in standing water.

• 2

  Remove the grass from it's nursery pot and spread roots gently outward. Cut off any damaged roots. Spread the roots out into the hole and back-fill with the soil from the hole. Press the soil around the roots and bury the plant up to it's base. Water the plant until the soil is saturated to root level.

• 3

  Water the grass weekly until it is established. After a couple of months, water only when the ground is dry. This will vary depending on time of year and your climate. Generally, in very warm areas and in the summer, water the plant weekly.

• 4

  Cut the plant back before any freezes to 6 to 8 inches tall. The plant will regrow to the same size or bigger in spring. When the center begins to die out, divide the plant. Keep the grass pruned away from the house if leaves brush siding. If roots spread too close to the house, you can dig a trench and root prune them away.