Saccharum arundinaceum
- Phonetic Spelling
- SAK-er-um a-run-din-uh-SEE-um
- Description
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Hardy Sugarcane is a large clump-forming ornamental grass with showy purple flowers that appear in the fall. The hardiest of the sugarcanes It is evergreen in warm climates but will die back to the ground in winter and come back in spring in colder climates. Its late flowering time means you do not need to worry about it naturalizing around your yard. It is a large plant so be sure to find an appropriate space with plenty of sun. Propagate this plant easily by division.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Saccharum
- Species:
- arundinaceum
- Family:
- Poaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Division
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Tropical and Subtropical Asia
- Wildlife Value:
- This is a larval host plant that supports various skipper larvae and Common Wood-Nymph (Cercyonis pegala) which have one brood from late May to October. Adult Common Wood-Nymph butterflies feed on rotting fruit and flower nectar.
- Dimensions:
- Height: 3 ft. 0 in. - 12 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 3 ft. 0 in. - 10 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Ornamental Grasses and Sedges
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Semi-evergreen
- Habit/Form:
- Clumping
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Available Space To Plant:
- 6-feet-12 feet
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Purple/Lavender
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Spike
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Fall
- Flower Description:
- Purple flowers spikes appear in fall and are 12' tall
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Semi-evergreen
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Description:
- The ends of the leaves have a drooping quality
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Coastal
- Landscape Theme:
- Butterfly Garden
- Pollinator Garden
- Attracts:
- Butterflies
- Pollinators
