Miscanthus Porcupine 3 gal.

Miscanthus 'Porcupine' (Porcupine Grass) – 3 Gallon

Description
Miscanthus 'Porcupine', also known as Porcupine Grass, is a striking, upright ornamental grass admired for its bold, horizontal golden bands across deep green, arching foliage. This clump-forming perennial creates a dramatic vertical accent in the landscape, reaching 5–7 feet tall and 3–5 feet wide at maturity. In late summer to fall, it produces feathery, coppery-pink flower plumes that rise above the foliage, maturing to a soft silver and providing lasting winter interest. Drought tolerant once established and deer resistant, 'Porcupine' is perfect for borders, screens, mass plantings, or as a specimen in modern and traditional gardens.

Key Features
- **Botanical Name:** Miscanthus sinensis 'Porcupine'
- **Common Name:** Porcupine Grass
- **Container Size:** 3 Gallon
- **Mature Size:** 5–7 ft tall, 3–5 ft wide
- **Growth Habit:** Upright, arching, clump-forming
- **Foliage:** Deep green with bold, horizontal golden bands
- **Bloom Color:** Coppery-pink plumes, maturing to silver
- **Bloom Time:** Late summer to fall; plumes persist into winter
- **Sunlight:** Full sun (best form and flowering)
- **Soil:** Well-drained; tolerates a range of soil types
- **Water Needs:** Average; drought tolerant once established
- **Hardiness Zones:** USDA 5–9
- **Maintenance:** Very low; cut back to 6–12" in late winter or early spring before new growth
- **Special Features:** Deer resistant, drought tolerant, winter interest, non-invasive, excellent for cut and dried arrangements

Care Instructions
1. **Planting:** Space 3–5 feet apart. Plant at the same depth as in the container, with the root crown slightly above soil level.
2. **Watering:** Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season. Once established, water during prolonged dry spells.
3. **Pruning:** Cut back to 6–12 inches in late winter or early spring before new shoots appear.
4. **Fertilizing:** Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring if desired.
5. **Mulching:** Add a 2–3 inch layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Landscape Uses
- Borders and beds
- Mass plantings
- Accent or specimen plant
- Screens and privacy plantings
- Containers (large)
- Slopes and erosion control