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Miscanthus / Myrtle dilemma!

madpenguinmadpenguin Posts: 2,543
in Plants
Bit of advice needed please!
I have a lovely Miscanthus Zebrinus which this year has done exceptionally well.
In the spring (before the Miscanthus got going) I planted a Myrtle shrub in the ground next to it.
There are also a couple of Euonymus that are also very close.
I now need to decide if I should dig up the Miscanthus and plant in a large tub (which I have) or move the Myrtle before it establishes it self too much.
The tub could probably stand in the same current position of the grass or moved to the back garden.
The Miscanthus is obviously going to increase even more so am thinking the tub may be better to contain it.
What do you all think?


This is the tub I have (50cm)



“Every day is ordinary, until it isn't.” - Bernard Cornwell-Death of Kings
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  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    @madpenguin In the spring as it comes into growth lift and split the Miscanthus. Not an easy task and ensure you split into generous pieces. You will have a much better upright plant.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • bcpathomebcpathome Posts: 1,313
    Yes tub a large piece of miscanthus and distribute the rest in other parts of your garden or give away as gifts . That’s what I’d do .
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    I'd take everything out of that border apart from the Miscanthus!  It's a lovely specimen and will not be happy in a container.  I would move it to the centre of that border in spring to give it space.  It will give you welcome interest over winter too. Much more interesting than Myrtle and Euonymus, but it's really down to your personal taste.
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    edited September 2023
    I think it is just that, personal taste. The Euonymous will need some holding back in time.
    However these plants do make a lovely combination and between them cover all the seasons.
    One Miscanthus alone can give stand alone drama other than in early spring just as it waits to regrow.
    Myrtle won't survive here so I have plant envy.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • madpenguinmadpenguin Posts: 2,543
    I do love the Miscanthus as it is right now but I think it will have to go in a tub next year. Had it in a small tub for many years and it did do well.
    Will give it the winter to do it's thing for now.
    Trying to simplify my garden as I am getting older so would rather dig up the grass sooner than later!
    Going for small shrubs and things that can be pruned to keep in check and don't need watering once established rather than perennials which need lots of water and lifting,deadheading and dividing.
    I actually love Euonymus and they grow well on the edge of the road and can stand a bit of brushing by from cars etc.
    “Every day is ordinary, until it isn't.” - Bernard Cornwell-Death of Kings
  • Lizzie27Lizzie27 Posts: 12,494
    I agree with you @madpenguin, I'm doing exactly the same as you.

    I also have a Miscanthus Zebrinus which has been in a much smaller pot for some years and was thinking it might do better in the ground, it's nowhere near as big as yours!
    Where to put it is the big dilemma.
    North East Somerset - Clay soil over limestone
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    @madpenguin You could try one of the smaller grasses such as Sesleria Autumalis. This would give a contrast to the rounded leaves of the other two plants.
    The smaller grasses are not as dramatic but still worth growing in certain schemes.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    That's a good option @GardenerSuze, it would make maintenance much easier in future and complement the other plants well.
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    @Plantminded I bought mine this time last year from Chatsworth. I split it with ease into two in the spring and some is already in my new garden with you guessed it E Emerald and Gold. Iv'e also planted lots of N Tete a Tete to fill gaps until the Euonymous mature.

    Recently purchased Sesleria nitida and S Summer Skies from Knoll Gardens.
    When established I am going to try them in some of the more difficult parts of the garden the soil is heavy but with the improvement it is worth a try.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    I planted mine in the wrong place a few years ago @GardenerSuze, very little sun and very little growth!  Once moved, it surpassed my expectations and is now one of my favourite grasses.  Today it's showing off in sun behind M. Malepartus:


    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


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