I'm in zone 5. Planted three of these in the early fall. They get maybe 40% full sun. I watered them manually daily and then the drip took over. They now look as you see in the photo. Are they dead or just dormant for the winter (we've already had below freezing temps)?

Albireo
Yes, they go dormant in freezing winter. Perfectly normal. I usually leave dead growth on until late winter/early spring, then trim off all but a couple inches or just above new emerging growth.

According to our database Miscanthus sinensis are at their lowest hardiness limit in zone 5. Because yours haven't been in the ground very long and might not have fully established roots, I'd recommend heavy mulch this winter.

Maiden Grass (Miscanthus sinensis)

Edit to add, forgot to ask if you have a cultivar. Might have different hardiness rating than the species.

Most cultivars do fine in zone 4a.

NMoasis said: Albireo
Yes, they go dormant in freezing winter. Perfectly normal. I usually leave dead growth on until late winter/early spring, then trim off all but a couple inches or just above new emerging growth.

According to our database Miscanthus sinensis are at their lowest hardiness limit in zone 5. Because yours haven't been in the ground very long and might not have fully established roots, I'd recommend heavy mulch this winter.

Thanks for the reply. By heavy mulch would you recommend I cut them down low and fully cover them with mulch? Also, should I water them over the winter?

I wouldn't cut it. Put several inches of grass or leaves around and up to the base. The dead growth helps insulate the plant. Your usual snowfall should suffice for water, but if you go droughty for several weeks, an occasional drink would be good, same as other overwintering plants. Don't make it soggy, but plant roots tolerate damp freezing soil better than dry.

Here are my dormant winter perennials. I leave all the tops on for critters, insulation and visual interest. No Miscanthus in this particular picture, but nearby.

And you have a pretty guard cat to protect the resting plants.

Lol, that's Bindifur the special needs cat. I think I recall taking that because she blended into the snow and rocks.

A stealth operator!