Tigergrass grows best in a humid tropical climate.
Tigergrass is a hearty, evergreen herb native to Southeast Asia, where it is often used to wrap food. Its botanical name is Thysanolaena maxima, and it resembles bamboo and sugar cane. Very easy to grow, tiger grass is one of the most commonly grown grasses. It is a beautiful plant, but it can grow very tall if not pruned.
This perennial herb grows from a rhizome, which is similar to a corm or corm. It quickly forms a large clump of broad, variegated leaves that can reach up to 12 feet (2.7 m) tall and up to 6 feet (1.8 m) wide. Long, attractive plumes of small purple flowers appear in late summer or fall.
Tigergrass grows in full sun or partial shade and requires rich soil and plenty of water. It is sensitive to cold and prefers humid tropical climates. Although it does not survive the freezing winter, tiger grass rhizome can be dug up and stored in a cool, dry place until spring, then replanted in the ground when it is warm.
Like many other ornamental grasses, tiger grass can get very large and has the potential to outgrow even a large garden. Frequent pruning will keep it at a manageable height. The rhizomes can also be divided to create multiple smaller plants, although they can be difficult to dig up. A sharp, pointed shovel works best for this task.
The large size of these plants makes them a good choice for privacy screens in gardens and pools. A tiger grass hedge can be allowed to grow to full size to create an attractive tall border along property lines. They can also make good container plants if grown in large, sturdy pots and watered frequently. Plants kept in containers tend to be smaller than those planted in the garden.
While ornamental grasses can be found at large garden centers or nurseries, they are usually available through mail order catalogs or online. This type of herb is often sold as a small potted plant, but can also be purchased as a pure rhizome. Both should be planted in the ground or in a large pot as soon as possible and well watered. Fertilizer can be added before planting tiger grass to promote healthy growth.
Tiger grass has a variety of uses. It is found in Korean cuisine, where it is used as a container for food for cooking or grilling. The tough stems can also be cut to use as garden stakes for tomatoes or tall flowering plants. Brooms are made from these plants; the bamboo-like stems produce strong handles, and the dried flower panicles are tied together to make the broom parts.
