Questions about Miscanthus & Oenothera

Two weeks ago, I dug up my overgrown Miscanthus sinensis 'Morning Light' and divided it. I replanted three pieces taken from the outer edge (which I understood was the most vigorous) as a single clump and potted up the rest for selling. Of course, before I started, I had already cut back the grass. My question is that the replanted "clump" looks terrible, despite careful watering. Would it hurt the grass if I cut it back some more?

Incidentally, I also dug up and divided my Pennisetum 'Karley Rose', but have not had the same problem with the newly planted pieces looking so sorry for themselves.

I've grown some Oenothera speciosa (pink evening primrose) from seed, but now I'm concerned the plants may be invasive. On the other hand, I have a spot in awfully dry sand where the conditions may limit their spread. I've also thought about planting the seedlings in a pot that I would plunge into the ground. What do ya'll think?

Thanks for your help!

Hi Fleurs, how far back did you cut the miscanthus? I cut mine back to about 6" to 8" each year and divide every two years and they do sprout back well. I think it might be taking a bit longer but they should be fine, they are tough plants. Do you ever use SuperThrive? I have found it very helpful with transplant shock.

The Oenothera can be invasive in Columbia, I had it in Spring Valley and it did get out of hand but it was so beautiful when it was blooming and so easy to pull out before it went to seed. I'd go for it.

No info on the pennstemon, I don't think I have ever grown them.
alice

Hadn't thought about SuperThrive, but it sounds great. I finally got through to Clemson, and the horticulturist recommended I not cut the grass back any further because it might harm the plant's ability to rebound. I looked early this morning (when everything looks so much better hydrated!) and can see signs of new growth. Just as an experiment, though, I cut back the tops of the grass in the back of the clump which faces the berm. We'll see, I guess. I've worried that I'd do season-long damage by cutting a few inches off the tops. Earlier, before I dug up the clump, I had cut the grass back to about 1 foot. Incidentally, the horticulturist told me I was right that the most vigorous part of the clump is at the edges, so I'm okay in putting 3 small clumps back into the hole.

About the Oenothera, guess I'll let it loose on my dry, sandy berm and see what happens. Won't bloom for a year, so I should be okay in the short term.

Thanks for your prompt response, Ardesia!

Fleurs,

I have had the pink evening primrose for years. It always reseeds itself, but stays in the same general area and hasn't spread throughout the garden, so just enjoy the beautiful flowers. They are very striking when a mass of them bloom.

I don't think it would be hard to get rid of them if they become a nuisance.

Don't know anything about miscanthus, so I can't give any advice there.

Pat