Growing HUGE Ornamental Grasses - Privacy & EASY!

If you ever wanted the perfect plant for almost any yard this ornamental grass is it. Gives shade, privacy, is drough tolerant and so tough that anyone can grow it. It reaches full height in one year! You can even divide it for free, so easily. I show you how!
You can order one of these LIVE plants with delivery to you here: amzn.to/2ZahWuk or full size plants right here: tinyurl.com/yb...
Check me out on Instagram for great photos and more project updates
/ silvercymbal
Not all plants are legal in every county and state. Always review and understand your local rules and restrictions when purchasing any plant.
Disclaimer:
This video, description & comments may contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links I may receive a small commission.
Due to factors beyond the control of Silver Cymbal, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. Silver Cymbal assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. Silver Cymbal recommends safe practices when working on machines and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of Silver Cymbal, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Silver Cymbal.

[@randyman8984]

I too had 2 plants about 4 yrs ago and now have about 25-30 now. What I did this past late winter/early spring was cut the dormant brown back to the ground. I then just take a shovel and start taking out sections from one plant. I wont even dig up the whole plant. Seemed to work faster for me doing it this method than digging up the whole grass clump.. You will need to add so'il to the side you took out or you will have a low spot. If you do dig up the whole grass clump use a hand wood saw to split it. Its a whole alot easier than doing it by trying to spear it.. You can get one cheap for like $8. I use a saw also for dividing daylillies too. I wonder if the saw part on your shovel would work the same? As an experiment I put one in a big pot by the house around 6 weeks ago. It was a little sprout that must have started by seed. I dug it and transplanted it to the pot. Its taking off and very big now. When I first planted it there it kinda looked stupid because it was so small in such a big pot, 6 weeks later it looks very nice! Fingers crossed that it survives a north ga winter and comes back in the spring

[@oqlar]

I bought Gracilimus and Morning Light types of grass. Gracilimus has a white stripe in the middle of the leaf, morning light has also white leaf edges. Your grass looks like it has only green leafs. Maybe this is video effect. Are you sure of the name of your grass that you mentioned in the description? Greetings from Poland.

[@krob3056]

A how to video on how you trim these for the Fountain shape would be great and well appreciated for many people. I believe. Great Job. Thank you for your time

[@harrypouncey9218]

Silver, We have an area where 3 Leland Cypress trees were dying due to a canker that the neighbors lawn care person trimmed with a non-clean tool. Needless to say, we took out the last one this year and really miss the privacy they gave. 30’ tall and 8’ wide. WOW! Now - nothing! Told wife that an ornamental grass screen was needed and here’s your video on just that!! Perfect 👌🏼 Mot quite as tall but doable for sure. Thanks.

[@randyman8984]

Leyland cypress is so disease tolerant. They are so UGLY imo. Get you some of the green giants(thujas). You will not be disapponted

[@SilverCymbal]

You can order these *LIVE plants* 🌿delivered to you here*: tinyurl.com/ybmbp63z - Buy one or two and do what I did and save some money! The *Root Assassin Shovel* is available here: amzn.to/31QFvtN -Thank you for watching and being a part of my channel.

[@Frances6889]

I can divide my plant that has been growing for 16 years in my yard. Love the way you planted them on a row, beautiful.

[@SilverCymbal]

Thank you very much, I appreciate it

[@stacysalinas22]

Thanks for the great video! My neighbor has a dog that killed all of the grass in their back corner. Looks horrible. These grasses would be perfect to screen off the denuded area affordably. Many thanks!

[@sergeybebenin]

It's like you are reading my mind. Ever since I discovered your channel few days ago I keep on watching videos of exactly what I want to achieve in my yeard. It even looks very similar to how yours used to look (I'm from North Andover)

[@SilverCymbal]

Glad to have you on the channel and I really appreciate the nice comments. Sounds like you are on the right track. Just do a little at a time and things imrprove. My place is far from perfect and it takes work but with work and family we are always trying to get it done and save time. Glad this helped!

[@matthewreeves8738]

since you get so many questions on this grass, maybe you can do a future video on how you cut them back with the hedge trimmer. I would watch

[@theotherfinnegan9955]

that's maiden grass I got fountain grass once thinking it was the type you have. it seeded the whole area where I had it. some are still popping up 20 years later.

[@captainlarrynosleepfishing5350]

Great video 😁👍🏻. Just what I was looking for today. Wow great timing ! Thanks 😎

[@SilverCymbal]

I appreciate that a lot.Thank you & glad it was helpful.

[@richardlowe8062]

I was surprised they are 24 bucks a plant when they can be divided like this.

[@TommyG5585]

When I had them I tied rope around them in the spring. In the fall I tightened the ropes and cut benith them making some nice Halloween hey bundles.

[@SilverCymbal]

I actually did that one year and they are pretty cool! Someone else posted that you can make crafts from them too. Pretty slick

[@ryan12mcgregor]

Do I cut them down in the fall before the snow or just let them be? Thanks for the videos!

[@SilverCymbal]

It’s really up to you. If you don’t get a lot of snow they look pretty cool most of the winter. They look the same but they turn into that straw color instead but they have their flowers on top. You can wait until the spring but it’s a little more work since the dead blades are a little harder to clean up since they are usually on the ground by then. I usually leave them until Thanksgiving and then cut them down with the hedge trimmers for a little less work. Thanks for watching.

[@goingruby]

I don’t cut them back until early spring. Birds like their protection in the winter.

[@WoAMortis]

I just removed these plants from my lawn. And bunched them all up in a big pot. They look cool. Thanks for posting this

[@jimmycarrollgodblesspoland5521]

I live in lreland,can this grass be got here as l have never heard of it.

[@Two_Buck]

Love your videos and love your property. Its great to learn from a fellow New Englander.

[@SilverCymbal]

Thank you I really appreciate that. Glad to have you here!

[@BudgetLawns]

My kinda plant. A money saver!

[@Doug_E_Dee]

I've always admired that row of grass by your pool!

[@SilverCymbal]

Thank you very much for the nice comment. It took some work but it beat paying $40-80 a plant! We looked at boxwoods, they take years to grow and they are nice but the cost was way too ,much and now I wouldn't change these for anything.

[@NamJi]

Silver Cymbal did you also buy your first plant from amazon? Does it arrive as a full plant or is it cut to size to fit a small container box for shipping?

[@SilverCymbal]

@@NamJi Yes I did buy this amzn.to/2ZahWuk and they usually trim the foliage but it is a complete plant and root.

[@cherylskates]

Thanks! I am in MA too & looks like a good plant for my yard as a border. Maybe Mahoney's has it. Will check it out.

[@SilverCymbal]

That's great. If they don't you can always use the amazon link if 1-2 plants can do whatever you need. These were a big surprise for me once I started breaking them up they work so well. Thanks for being a part of the channel.

[@LosFPV]

I have two growing over 2 yrs and they are about 5ft high. I do want to make a full row. I have collected seed to attempt growing over winter. But would love to know when is the best time to split them? Mine are still seeding, and would love to divide to fill in more areas. Do I split now or wait until spring with new growth? Thank you

[@will5037]

I’ve been a long time follower. I planted several of these around my garden. How do you make them stand up like that? The ones I have lean to one side. :/ I have learned a lot with your videos. Thanks much

[@l800x8]

Chinese silvergrass (Miscanthus sinensis) Ecological Threat Miscanthus sinensis escapes from ornamental plantings and can form large clumps along disturbed areas, displacing native vegetation. The grass is also extremely flammable and increases fire risks of invaded areas. It is native to Asia and was introduced into the United States for ornamental purposes during the late 1800s.

[@lindamasson8799]

Thank you so much for this video, I am going to get one plant for my garden

[@deananderson2143]

The person that says they fall over don't fertilize them

[@weekendhomeprojects]

I’ll be doing this as soon as I get back from the beach.

[@michaelsakey9328]

Thanks so much! Just subscribed. Love these grasses for around my pool just like that! Also, just made your DIY sprinkler, waiting on the head to arrive Wednesday to put it to the test ! Thank you!

[@SilverCymbal]

Thank you so much. Those grass plants are really the best. You will find yourself splitting them and giving them away, the things are bullet proof and looks so nice. Thanks again

[@peterjohnson8469]

Great video. Do you recommend these be planted closer to make a continuous privacy barrier or not?

[@bobhennessey]

Any suggestions for when the get massively overgrown after several years? I assume prune back at the base around the edges?

[@ScotTheGr8]

Super helpful. Just at the point of wanted to add some of those grasses. Thanks!!!!

[@SilverCymbal]

Thank you, they are great aditions to the yard for sure. Very durable!

[@americanpatriot4080]

I ordered the root assassin shovel hope it works well I have a lot of grasses to split. Thanks.

[@freddyromero4795]

I like your video. I'll try it right now. Thank you

[@raphlvlogs271]

you also have a lot of pines and red oaks in your area.

[@timlogan9657]

Have any recommendations for shaded areas?

[@SilverCymbal]

Hydrangeas, certainly aren't free but they sometimes can be found on craigslist from people with too many or moving. Most of them do well in shadier areas or dappled sun. I have one in full sun and its struggling and I need to move it to shade for this reason.

[@matthewreeves8738]

Hey Silver, how far a part did you space your grass? I like the spacing you did.

[@SilverCymbal]

They are about 8' apart. I thought it might be too far but it worked out nicer than I had expected. Thank you

[@rebeccaketchum3242]

@@SilverCymbal n

[@robinstruyk87]

Thanks for the informative video. Your point about poor seed germination made me think if you cut it back in late fall/winter the dead cuttings would probably make excellent mulch. I will definitely be dividing my plants and spreading them in different parts of my yard thanks to your video.

[@RVALawnLove]

I like the voiceover style of your videos. I just tried one myself yesterday. It’s difficult, but your finished videos don’t project that. Well done sir

[@SilverCymbal]

I appreciate that a lot, there are a lot of takes when I make these! 😀

[@RVALawnLove]

Silver Cymbal I’m sure! Keep up the good work my man

[@TommyG5585]

Do you recommend a ph meter and if so which one. Thanks

[@SilverCymbal]

I wish they worked better but in my experience they are very inaccurate. Only the chemical tests seem to work.

[@Mr.Enigmatik]

Can you explain growing zones?

[@SilverCymbal]

Sure this is from the USDA and will help you find yours and what they are - The USDA Hardiness Zone Map divides North America into 11 separate planting zones; each growing zone is 10°F warmer (or colder) in an average winter than the adjacent zone. If you see a hardiness zone in a gardening catalog or plant description, chances are it refers to this USDA map. Click here for more information about hardiness maps. garden.org/nga/zipzone/

[@kk2485]

THANK YOU THANK YOU…. this was the best video and simple and to the point. Do you happen to have a follow-up on how they did after transplant? The only thing I’m confused on is if they don’t spread, how to they thicken out after splitting? Sorry if that’s a silly question.

[@SilverCymbal]

Thank you for the nice words, we have moved since this video but I know the plants are still doing well. They are extremely tough and so easy to grow. I would plant them again in a second.

[@mistercmaine]

Great video! I separated and replanted these 2 weeks. I’m noticing they’re turning brown and seem to be dying. I did give them a bit of surf and turf compost just the other day. I’ll see what happens. Is this normal? Get worse before they get better next year? Thank you!

[@SilverCymbal]

It depends but I have had that happen. I think they will grow normally next season. They are very tough.

[@mistercmaine]

Silver Cymbal great thank you! 🙏🏼 If they’ve already turned brown, do you recommend I just cut them now or let it ride?

[@SilverCymbal]

@@mistercmaine Where they are new I would just leave them in place and you will likely have a good surprise next year. I would give them every chance they can get for now.

[@savann.sun1980]

So it takes 2 years to grow full size. From one plant you can make 4. It will take me 4 years to have a descent amount. Damn not bad.

[@SilverCymbal]

But remember even the first year the plant reaches almost full height so if you buy these now and get them started next year they will be very far along. Cool stuff these grasses! amzn.to/2ZahWuk

[@gobybike99]

Looks great would that work in NC?

[@SilverCymbal]

If it grows i cold Mass I am sure you could grow it there. It LOVES the heat of summer here a lot. Best plant I have ever bought.

[@jackprice8937]

That was perfect timing my elderly neighbor just asked me about decretive grass, you have gave me a lot of information ! Thank you very much I enjoy your channel !!!

[@SilverCymbal]

That's great. They are such nice plants if you decide to get them you will be very happy. Thanks for watching.

[@scribblydoodle2924]

Miscanthus is indeed lovely, but long-term it requires digging and dividing that root ball to maintain its beauty and not rot in the center. At that point, the root ball is hard as a rock and extremely heavy. Not a job an elderly lady can probably handle on her own.

[@johncornell7103]

Try a native grass there are tall switch grasses. Miscanthus is an overused Asian invader

[@ellenrogers4846]

Great video! Can’t wait to try these grasses. Do they do well in pots?

[@loganc4233]

That's fantastic! I have been looking for something like this!

[@Lea-jl1pl]

Very helpful video, thank you! We just got a bunch of these from a friend and planted them right away but the ends are getting crisp and curly I’m afraid they may not survive. Is this normal? I’m watering daily and added a little Jacks All Purpose 20 20 20 to help them along.

[@SueZQ-i4m]

This grass is from Asia. For those interested in providing more of an ecological benefit, I'd recommend a lovely native (to most of the US) switchgrass, Panicum virgatum.

[@superameric8]

Awesome! Just planted some too. Love the channel!

[@km-nq4tj]

You got skills!! I was going to buy expensive privacy screen but now I'm gona do this.. thanks

[@alexford7862]

Great job 🙏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@SilverCymbal]

Thank you very much

[@Angie-ci1lp]

Excellent! I love It! You didn’t play with diving that grass! Thank you!🤐🌾🌾🌾🌾

[@scribblydoodle2924]

I think you under-estimated the work required to keep this plant healthy beyond year 4. I have been told after that time, to avoid rotting from within, you need to dig the root ball (by this time about 3 ft wide) and divide it. Yes, you can divide it endlessly at that time, but it is also hard work. I've tried every saw and pick in the book, and that root ball is like a rock. I do love the plant, but instead of this ritual going forward, if the plant starts to show ill health at the core, it is getting dug up and given to a neighbor or tossed in the compost heap. It is just too heavy a job for an older person like me. (and I can't afford to hire people to do this job...I've priced it and they would charge me big bucks).

[@loft4me]

This is quite helpful, thank you. I just ordered three plugs of the pampas ornamental grass, in the color purple. Hopefully everything described in the video applies to the pampas as well.

[@wonkachocolates6133]

Are these plants burn resistant...?? Can they regrow after a 'dry year' wildfire...??

[@markthompsoncpa]

Would look better with curved grass beds and with groups of 3/5 plants together

[@Meatpopsicle2050]

Any way to stop the aftershock effect where the center dies out leaving a type of ring or aftershock? Is the only option to just divide it? Does the center die due to lack of nutrients? Could fertilization keep it alive?

[@Mandy302]

Your grass plants look beautiful! Can you plant these in moist soil? I would love to plant a hedge and my soil is moist.

[@ghc7910]

Will this do well in a narrow planter. ?

[@karenraphael5575]

Thank you for this super video! Can you do the same for the Miscanthus Little tiger and the Miscanthus Gold Bar? I lost quite a few last winter and I didn't want to spend again only to lose them this winter. Thank for your help!

[@K3nny24]

I was going to ask you last night what you had and trimming but this morning this popped up. Thanks apple for listing

[@rebeccawoods4488]

Great video, thank you! We’ve been LOVING our first two Maiden grasses (we really enjoyed watching them change through the seasons)! We bought four more yesterday, but now, thanks to you, we won’t need to buy any more…we’ll just divide them.😊

[@Manofsteel519]

I moved to a new place in December of last year and we have these, but they did not cut them down. Is it too late to cut down? Should I leave it until the fall?

[@ArjunPatel-lt3gc]

First

[@vc8583]

What is the name of the plant ?

[@ncvman]

Maiden hair grass or zebra grass is nice. Stay away from pampas grass.

[@vallevesque820]

I live in zone 3 ,my question is could these plants serve with winter protection

[@Bee_Jaye]

What is your spacing? Looks perfect!

[@SilverCymbal]

Thank you, we just centered them with the fence panels, so they are about 6' apart each

[@mrinalinir21]

Very clear explanation . Thank you

[@SilverCymbal]

Thank you very much

[@anetaczaplicki7263]

Hi,you are mistaken ,this is not maiden grass morning light.

[@helloworld-bp8fu]

Do you tie a string around the middle to keep them bunched together neater

[@christinenguyen2530]

Very nice video. Thank you for sharing.

[@5MinutePsychology]

A very informative and interesting video! I have a few of those plants in pots and they do great as well!

[@alanpitts2409]

What store did you buy your root Assassin?

[@SilverCymbal]

YOu can get it right here: amzn.to/31QFvtN

[@user-wq6ee3mz8r]

I have a few of these grass plants around my yard. I agree, they need very little maintenance. My only problem, after heavy rains they flop. Any advice? I do not like the look of tieing them back.

[@scribblydoodle2924]

once they dry out they usually return to normal, unless they are old and rotting in the inner core. Then it is probably time (this fall or winter) to dig and divide. That is what is NOT mentionned about miscanthus. A root ball of 3 ft. wide is NOT for the faint of heart either. So, I do mine every three years, unless I just don't care how it looks and want to let it die on its own.

[@rxlo1062]

Awesome 👍

[@jumbo2944]

What is the distance between the plant and the fence? Also, how wide is that bed? I have a very similar set up with my pool and I want to put grass plants up for more privacy. Thanks

[@charlesgriffin9774]

What is the distance?

[@GarretL757]

This is great! Thanks for the video!!

[@123Rockchild]

Really like your no-nonsense method of explaining everything!

[@SilverCymbal]

Much appreciated

[@carosala3501]

Silver! Can you do it when the grass plant is really big?

[@fiserpetr24]

What are the gaps between the grasses please?

[@SilverCymbal]

7' center of plant to center of plant

[@slopedawg1]

Perfect video, planted some of these in the exact same sandy soil here in MA, glad to hear they will take off soon and be able to clone easy, great privacy wall!

[@MsBrittany2911]

How do you know what zone you are in?

[@anetaczaplicki7263]

Can someone tell me what are the name of those grasses,please?

[@nicolefranklin3431]

👏 Awesome, thanks 😊

[@TheGeorgiaMediaGroup]

Sir. That ain’t morning light.

[@dominic5386]

English gardens > gay French yards

[@ArjunPatel-lt3gc]

Great vid

[@SilverCymbal]

Thank you!

[@philiphebert]

lovely idea! thanks!

[@130hengineer]

Smaht!

[@VDJ4500]

Great, thank you! 🙏🏼

[@nevillestephen1135]

It's also called vetivo

[@verenisenunez886]

Great info , thank you,

[@GCPTALKS]

I LOVE THIS VIDEO WAY TO GO.

[@spawny6191]

Great video

[@tomjones4318]

We call it pampas grass here. Didn't know they were that easy and come in colors. Did an image search and saw some people braid them. Guess they could be used for hats too. They are a great look.

[@SilverCymbal]

That's pretty cool. When they are dried out there are pretty strong. Maybe I should have saved them!

[@T-marie-N]

Pampas grass is also an ornamental grass but not the same as this plant. It grows taller (8-10 ft) and wider (4-6 ft.).

[@tomjones4318]

@@T-marie-N Yes I've worked around many landscapers and know how they treasure their terms. I guess blanket terms are my preferred means of speaking yard work.

[@tomjones4318]

@W Jack HaHa, yep Deep South! But if you folks don't mind pampas still works just fine for me.

[@tomjones4318]

@W Jack OK, I was going to refine my speak to "big and small pampas". I'll know fountain now. I used to work around landscapers and nurseries as customers. I know the game. Specific names are good for selling a product but some tend to throw around fancy terms. How bout "transmigrate" for move? I'm over in Alabama, worked in Atlanta after school. I really like the state. Family had a plantation there before the war.

[@LaMostraVia]

You’ve got a beautiful yard my man! The deer have destroyed some beautiful shrubs I have lining our paver patio. Now I know what I can put in that’ll look nice and the deer won’t destroy!

[@SilverCymbal]

Thank you so much, it seems like nothing damages these. Even bugs have never been an issue. You will like them a lot.

[@loiscashner6567]

Is this a GMO grass

[@SilverCymbal]

No

[@tfrantastic]

Name of this grass?