Groundcover & Vines – Tall – Sugarcane

Sugarcane 

Botanical name: saccharum officinarum 

Beginner friendly?: yes

Average size at maturity: 5-8 ft in height with a 3-7 ft spread 

Hardy zone: zones 8-11 

Growth rate: reaches fully mature size in first growing season 

Foliage color: green 

Flower color: pink, yellow, green, brown 

Bloom time:  spring, summer, fall 

Pruning instructions: prune to maintain desired shape and size during the late winter/early spring before new growth begins to emerge 

Propagation methods: propagate by division during the spring or fall months 

Landscape use: privacy screen, tropical landscaping 

Special features: attracts pollinators, pet-friendly, heat tolerant, clay tolerant 

Light needs: 6 hours of sun per day 

Watering instructions: allow the top 1-3 inches of soil dry out between watering sessions 

Fertilizing instructions : use a slow-release balanced organic fertilizer once a year in the early spring 

Best time to plant: spring 

Best type of soil:  clay, loam 

Companion plants: basil, sweet potatoes, beans 

Toxicity level: non-toxic for humans and pets 

Invasive species: no