How to Grow Yaku Jima Grass

Yaku Jima (Miscanthus sinensis "Yaku Jima") is a maiden grass dwarf variety. An arching ornamental grass, it requires full sun and is drought tolerant once established. Yaku Jima brings texture and grace to the small garden with its coppery plumes in the summer, turning silver in winter. Yaku Jima grows to a height of 3 to 4 feet with an equal spread and thrives in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5a through 9b.

Things You'll Need

Shovel
Fertilizer

Lopping shears
Gloves

Instructions

- 1
  Choose a site for the Yaku Jima grass receiving sunshine all day. Although the grass grows in shade, it won't flower as well and its stems become floppy.
- 2
  Dig a planting hole the same depth as the pot in which it is currently growing and wide enough to accommodate the root mass. Fill the hole with water and place the Yaku Jima in the hole so that the crown sits just below the soil level. Add soil filling the hole and water the plant again to the depth you dug the hole.
- 3
  Water the Yaku Jima grass often enough keeping the soil slightly moist at all times.
- 4
  Fertilize ornamental grass in spring with a 10-10-10 fertilizer at the rate listed on the package. Reapply the fertilizer during the season only if the plant is failing to thrive, either with sparse or yellow foliage.
- 5
  Cut the Yaku Jima grass to 6 to 8 inches in height in the late winter or early spring. Wear gloves when pruning, as the grass blade edges are sharp.

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