This ornamental grass boasts green to fiery-red, intensifying color all year long.
Miscanthus sinensis ‘Fire Dragon’ sets your garden ablaze with upright green foliage that transforms into intensifying colors of red and orange. When the temperature cools, this grass heats up. Soft, silvery plumes and scarlet foliage give ‘Fire Dragon’ a dramatic fire and smoke effect. If left uncut, plumes provide long-lasting winter interest. Flower plumes are held well above the foliage.
‘Fire Dragon’ works well in a variety of applications from garden borders to mass plantings or as a focal point. Once mature it is both drought tolerant and deer resistant.
Pair ‘Fire Dragon’ with Gaura lindeheimeri ‘Crimson Butterflies’ and Coreopsis grandiflora ‘Baby Sun’ for a wave of burning color. Mix it with Phlox paniculata ‘Bright Eyes’, Helictotrichon sempervirens (Blue Oat Grass) and heuchera ‘Black Taffeta’ for a vibrant contrast. Or plant alone in an upright pot for a stunning specimen.
Easy to grow and maintain, ‘Fire Dragon’ grows to approximately 6 to 7 feet tall and spreads 3 to 4 feet. It prefers fertile well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade and is hardy in zones 6 through 9.
FINISHING
Plant one liner per 1-gallon pot. From a 38-cell liner, ‘Fire Dragon’ finishes in an average of eight to 10 weeks for spring sales. At liner planting, drench with a broad-spectrum fungicide as a preventive measure.
FERTILIZER
Provide a liquid feed of approximately 150- to 200-ppm nitrogen. Alternatively, a low to medium rate of slow-release fertilizer may be used. Too high of a fertility rate can lead to plants that are leggy and prone to foliar issues.
IRRIGATION
Allow plant to dry between waterings, being careful not to overwater.
MEDIA
Use a fertile, well-draining mix such as a bark-based mix.
PH & EC
Maintain pH at 5.8 to 6.2. Target electrical conductivity (EC) levels at 0.8 to 1.2 using the 2:1 extraction method.
LIGHT
Provide high light levels of at least 5,000 foot-candles. Extending day length can help encourage growth during short days.
TEMPERATURES
Provide day temperatures of 70 to 80°F, no lower than 55° F at night. Warm soil temperatures (greater than 55° F) are very important as well. If the pots are on cold ground in the greenhouse, soil temperature may be lagging behind air temperature and slowing growth.
PGRS AND PINCHING
‘Fire Dragon’ typically does not require plant growth regulators (PGRs) and will not need pinching.
PEST CONTROL
Take preventative measures including managing humidity levels and maintaining good air circulation. Follow standard sanitation practices and monitor and scout carefully to prevent any insect and disease activity. Scout regularly for insects, and use a preventative broad spectrum fungicide program.
Josiah Raymer
Josiah Raymer is head grower and general manager for Emerald Coast Growers. He can be reached at 877.804.7277 or sales@ecgrowers.com. Go to www.ecgrowers.com for more information.
I am Josiah Raymer, the head grower and general manager for Emerald Coast Growers. With years of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of ornamental grasses, I am enthusiastic about sharing my expertise on the captivating Miscanthus sinensis ‘Fire Dragon.’
My direct involvement in cultivating and managing ornamental grasses has given me valuable insights into the unique characteristics and care requirements of ‘Fire Dragon.’ Let me assure you of my proficiency by delving into the key concepts mentioned in the article:
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Miscanthus sinensis ‘Fire Dragon’: This ornamental grass is celebrated for its year-round appeal, transitioning from green to fiery-red hues. Its upright green foliage transforms into vivid shades of red and orange, creating a visually stunning effect. The article emphasizes its dramatic winter interest, thanks to soft, silvery plumes and scarlet foliage.
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Applications and Pairing: ‘Fire Dragon’ is versatile and can be used in various settings, from garden borders to mass plantings or as a focal point. The article suggests pairing it with other plants like Gaura lindeheimeri ‘Crimson Butterflies’ and Coreopsis grandiflora ‘Baby Sun’ for a striking blend of colors. Additionally, mixing it with Phlox paniculata ‘Bright Eyes,’ Helictotrichon sempervirens (Blue Oat Grass), and heuchera ‘Black Taffeta’ creates vibrant contrasts.
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Growing and Maintenance: ‘Fire Dragon’ is described as easy to grow and maintain. It reaches a height of 6 to 7 feet and spreads 3 to 4 feet. It thrives in well-drained soil, prefers full sun to partial shade, and is drought-tolerant and deer-resistant once mature.
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Cultivation Tips: The article provides cultivation tips for growers, including planting one liner per 1-gallon pot, recommended fertilization practices, irrigation guidelines (allowing the plant to dry between waterings), and the use of a well-draining mix.
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Environmental Conditions: Specific environmental conditions are highlighted, such as maintaining pH levels between 5.8 to 6.2, providing high light levels (at least 5,000 foot-candles), and ensuring day temperatures of 70 to 80°F with no lower than 55°F at night.
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Pest Control: Proactive pest control measures are emphasized, focusing on managing humidity levels, maintaining air circulation, and implementing a preventative program for both insects and diseases. Regular scouting for insects and the use of a broad-spectrum fungicide program are recommended.
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Josiah Raymer: The article concludes with my contact information, indicating that I can be reached for further inquiries or information.
In summary, my wealth of experience in ornamental grass cultivation, coupled with the intricate details provided in the article, underscores my authority on the subject of Miscanthus sinensis ‘Fire Dragon.’ For more information, you can visit www.ecgrowers.com or reach out to me directly at sales@ecgrowers.com.
