Pest identification
What's eating my giant chinese silver grass?
Mealybug (Miscanthus-associated species)
Signs: White, waxy cottony deposits in stem sheaths; yellowing, stunted canes; honeydew promotes sooty mould
Control: Cut clumps hard to the ground in late winter to remove overwintering colonies; apply systemic insecticide or horticultural oil to base of re-emerging shoots
Aphids
Signs: Soft colonies on new shoot tips in spring; sticky leaves and reduced early-season vigour
Control: Blast with water; use insecticidal soap spray; beneficial insects usually establish natural control by midsummer
Deer
Signs: Young shoots browsed to the ground in spring; large clumps generally recover but regrowth is delayed
Control: Install deer fencing or spray emerging growth with deer repellent in early spring; the sheer size of established clumps deters most browsing
Keep giant chinese silver grass pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Giant Chinese Silver Grass pests — FAQ
What is eating my giant chinese silver grass?
Giant Chinese Silver Grass (Miscanthus floridulus) can be troubled by Miscanthus mealybug, which hides in stem sheaths and weakens large clumps. Aphids cluster on shoots in spring, and deer will browse young growth. Miscanthus blight (a fungal disease accompanied by pest feeding wounds) can compound damage. Mealybug is the most troublesome recurring pest.
How do I get rid of mealybug (miscanthus-associated species) on giant chinese silver grass?
White, waxy cottony deposits in stem sheaths; yellowing, stunted canes; honeydew promotes sooty mould Cut clumps hard to the ground in late winter to remove overwintering colonies; apply systemic insecticide or horticultural oil to base of re-emerging shoots
How do I get rid of aphids on giant chinese silver grass?
Soft colonies on new shoot tips in spring; sticky leaves and reduced early-season vigour Blast with water; use insecticidal soap spray; beneficial insects usually establish natural control by midsummer
How do I get rid of deer on giant chinese silver grass?
Young shoots browsed to the ground in spring; large clumps generally recover but regrowth is delayed Install deer fencing or spray emerging growth with deer repellent in early spring; the sheer size of established clumps deters most browsing