DIY Network

Spiraea japonica "Alpina" is a non-native plant on the invasive watch list in TN, KY, VA and the U.S. Forest Service. It is best avoided near moist areas.

• Deciduous shrub with blue-green foliage topped with pink flowers from late spring through summer
  
• Plant in full sun
  
• Plant in rich, but well-drained soil
  
• Water regularly until established; fertilize in spring; prune 1/2 to 1/3 when dormant
  
• Deadhead to prevent the formation of seeds that produce unwanted seedlings
  
• Height: 12-15 inches; Width: 2-3 feet
  
• Hardy in USDA zones 4-8:
  • Zone 4: Plant in spring; plant in full sun; mulch heavily after first hard frost to prevent winter heaving; avoid contact with salt.
    
  • Zone 5: Plant in spring; plant in full sun; mulch heavily after first hard frost to prevent winter heaving; avoid contact with salt.
    
  • Zone 6: Plant in spring or early fall; plant in full sun to light shade; mulch after first hard frost.
    
  • Zone 7: Plant in early fall; plant in full sun; mulch in fall.
    
  • Zone 8: Plant in early fall; plant in full sun; mulch in fall; may defoliate early in hot, dry weather.

Miscanthus sinensis is a non-native invasive grass from Asia. It has escaped cultivation and invaded natural areas throughout the Midwest and South.

• Medium upright ornamental grass with copper-colored plumes in mid to late fall; foliage is russet in fall
  
• Plant in full sun to light shade
  
• Can be invasive
  
• Tolerant of a wide range of soil
  
• Prune back to ground in late winter to early spring; fertilize in spring
  
• Divide every few years in early spring
  
• Height: 4-6 feet Width: 2-4 feet
  
• Hardy in zones 5-9:
  • Zone 5: Plant in spring; plant in full sun; mulch after first frost to prevent winter heaving; remove mulch in spring; avoid exposure to salt; plant may flop over in heavy snow or ice.
    
  • Zone 6: Plant in spring; plant in full sun; mulch in fall; remove mulch in spring; plant may flop over in heavy snow or ice.
    
  • Zone 7: Plant in spring; plant in full sun to light shade; mulch in fall; remove mulch in spring; plant may flop over in heavy snow or ice.
    
  • Zone 8: Plant in spring or early fall; plant in full sun to light shade; mulch in fall; remove mulch in spring.
    
  • Zone 9: Plant in spring or early fall; plant in full sun to light shade; mulch in fall; remove mulch in spring.

Miscanthus sinensis is a non-native invasive grass from Asia. It has escaped cultivation and invaded natural areas throughout the Midwest and South.
Check the following link for native alternatives.
www.invasive.org

• Medium upright ornamental grass with vertical bands of white/green and crimson plumes
  
• Plant in full sun to light shade
  
• Can be invasive
  
• Tolerant of a wide range of soil
  
• Prune back to ground in late winter to early spring; fertilize in spring
  
• Divide every few years in early spring
  
• Height: 4-6 feet Width: 2-4 feet
  
• Hardy in zones 5-9:
  • Zone 5: Plant in spring; plant in full sun; mulch after first frost to prevent winter heaving; remove mulch in spring; avoid exposure to salt; plant may flop over in heavy snow or ice.
    
  • Zone 6: Plant in spring; plant in full sun; mulch in fall; remove mulch in spring; plant may flop over in heavy snow or ice.
    
  • Zone 7: Plant in spring; plant in full sun to light shade; mulch in fall; remove mulch in spring; plant may flop over in heavy snow or ice.
    
  • Zone 8: Plant in spring or early fall; plant in full sun to light shade; mulch in fall; remove mulch in spring.
    
  • Zone 9: Plant in spring or early fall; plant in full sun to light shade; mulch in fall; remove mulch in spring.