James Burghardt
Family
Poaceae
Botanical Name
SACCHARUM arundinaceum
Plant Common Name
Hardy Sugarcane
General Description
The dense, imposing hardy sugarcane creates a massive clump of arching leaves and huge pink plumes from late summer to autumn. It naturally grows on hillsides, dry stream beds and sandy riverbanks, from India and southern China to Indonesia.
The tall stalks of this formidable grass have coarse sheaths and long, dark gray-green leaves. Each blade is arching, floppy and slender. The blade's undersides are softly fuzzy. After the autumnal equinox, the stalks produce tall, impressive wispy flower panicles that are pink to pale rose-violet. The onset of fall or winter frost causes the leaves and stalks to dry and become tan, with seed heads bleaching to ivory. The dried plant persists through winter into spring and acts as an effective wind barrier. Its seed is produced in large quantities and scatters in the breeze, creating abundant weedy seedlings in the spring. In zone 6, the seeds are often killed by frost before they ripen, making them less weedy in colder areas.
Grow hardy sugarcane in a spacious, sunny location. It tolerates nearly all soil types that aren't wet. Use this dense clumping grass as an informal hedge or screen in a mixed border, large foundation bed or as a lone accent. In late winter, remove the previous year's stems to about knee high so to make way for new growth. It's a laborious task, but essential to keep them looking attractive. Be sure to wear gloves and long sleeves, because the dried leaves and stems can slice into skin.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
11 - 6
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USDA Hardiness Zone
6 - 10
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Sunset Zone
H1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Grass
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
6'-7' / 1.8m - 2.1m
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Width
8'-12' / 2.4m - 3.7m
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Bloom Time
Late Summer, Early Fall, Fall, Late Fall, Early Winter, Winter, Late Winter
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Native To
Southern Asia, Southeastern Asia, India, China
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Pink, Rose, Violet
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Fruit Color
Tan, Ivory, Silver
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Gray Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Gray Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Gray Green
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
Yes
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Coarse
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
Semi-Evergreen
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Cutflower, Dried Flower/Everlasting, Feature Plant, Foundation, Mixed Border, Screening / Wind Break
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
Sometimes
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Self-Sowing
Yes
