Mulching
Miscanthus
Miscanthus mulch:
100% plant-based French mulch, ready to use
Mulch that reduces the need for watering, suppresses weeds, and contains no chemicals: that’s what Miscanthus mulch offers, made from the shredded stalks of Miscanthus giganteus.
To learn where the plant comes from and how it grows, visit our page dedicated to miscanthus.
On this page: exactly what this mulch contains, its thickness and quantity per square meter, the uses for which it is most effective, and where to buy it—especially in bulk for professional use.
What is miscanthus mulch made of?
Miscanthus mulch is produced by grinding the dry stalks of Miscanthus giganteus, harvested in late winter. It contains no additives and undergoes no chemical treatment; the product remains 100% plant-based. The grinding process results in a uniform, lightweight, and low-dust particle size that can be easily spread by hand or with equipment.
Particle size range of 15 to 20 mm, available in compressed bags of 15 or 20 kg.
What thickness and quantity should I plan for?
A layer 5 to 8 cm thick is recommended for most uses (flower beds, hedges, shrubs, ornamental gardens). In areas with heavy sun exposure or that are already overrun with weeds, the layer can be increased to 10 cm. In a vegetable garden with a short growing cycle, 3 to 5 cm may be sufficient (for example, lettuce).
Approximate quantity per square meter:
| Thickness | Amount needed per square meter |
| 3 cm | 30 L/m², or about 4 kg |
| 5 cm | ~50 L/m², or 6 kg/m² |
| 8 cm | ~80 L/m² |
| 10 cm | ~100 L/m² |
For a project covering more than a few dozen square meters, it is recommended to measure the area precisely before ordering, rather than estimating by eye—using too little product significantly reduces its weed-control effectiveness.
How and When to Lay Miscanthus Mulch
Before planting: Remove weeds from the area, making sure to pull out perennials thoroughly (such as thistles, bindweed, and couch grass), and water the soil if it is dry (mulch will better retain the moisture already present than any added later).
During installation: Spread the mulch in an even layer; you can use a rake to distribute the miscanthus evenly.
Best times to apply: spring (coincides with the start of the growing season and quickly suppresses weeds before summer) and fall (protects the soil during winter and prepares it for the spring growing season).
Maintenance: One application per year is usually sufficient, as the mulch gradually settles and breaks down over the course of several months.
What are they used for?
Miscanthus mulch is suitable for most outdoor uses, with a few practical considerations:
Vegetable garden — particularly well-suited because it requires no chemical treatments; minimizes the need for watering and weeding between rows.
Flower beds and perennials — the light color highlights the blooms and minimizes soil splatter when watering.
Shrubs and hedges — maintain their appearance over time, even over long stretches.
Green Spaces and Municipalities — high coverage and ease of installation, ideal for large-scale projects.
References
"Miscanthus is a locally sourced and economical mulch that we use to mulch nearly 4 hectares of flower beds."
Etienne Walbrou, Technical Manager for Green Spaces at Amiens Métropole
Amiens, a city (very) full of flowers
The city of Amiens has a population of nearly 300,000. It was awarded the highest rating of 4 flowers in the "Towns and Villages in Bloom" competition in France since 2013, the city had 8.5 hectares of flowered areas as of 2017. Nearly 4 hectares of flower beds and perennials have been mulched with miscanthus since 2018. The mulch is purchased from local farmers, but the municipality has also planted it in areas surrounding drinking water catchment points.
Why choose natural mulch over synthetic mulch (or no mulch at all)?
Leaving the soil bare exposes it directly to the sun, wind, and runoff: this leads to faster evaporation, promotes weed growth, and causes more extreme temperature fluctuations at the root level. Mulching, in any form, already addresses many of these problems.
Synthetic mulches (plastic sheets, non-biodegradable geotextiles) effectively cover the soil but block natural processes: they prevent rainwater from infiltrating normally, do not decompose, and must be removed—and disposed of—at the end of their useful life (otherwise, they contribute to the accumulation of microplastics).
Miscanthus mulch, like other plant-based mulches, gradually decomposes and enriches the soil with organic matter. It is distinguished by its fibrous structure—which limits compaction and ensures long-term durability—and by its French agricultural origin, replenished annually. Miscanthus is an alternative to wood in areas where wood supplies are strained (due to a lack of local or sustainable resources).
Growing miscanthus requires no inputs throughout its entire growth cycle (20 to 25 years), so there are no traces of plant protection products or pesticides in the mulch.
Where can I buy miscanthus mulch?
For a specific use
Miscanthus mulch is available at many garden centers and specialty gardening stores, as well as—depending on the region—from agricultural suppliers or local producers.
For Professionals and Local Governments
For larger-scale projects—landscaping projects, municipalities, and landscaping companies—Novabiom works directly with professionals. See below
Why Choose Novabiom?
Miscanthus Specialist Since 2006
As a pioneer in this sector in France, Novabiom has been supporting the development of Miscanthus giganteus since 2006.
Novabiom will process and market more than 80,000 m³ of miscanthus in 2026.
Comprehensive expertise in the industry
From planting to processing the harvest, Novabiom is involved at every stage—ensuring consistent quality and full product traceability.
A product from a French supply chain
The mulch is made from Miscanthus grown and harvested in France, with no imports or middlemen.
Support for Professionals and Local Governments
A quote tailored to your desired quantities, along with technical advice on quantities and delivery options.
Bulk deliveries by truck ranging from 30 to 100 m³; in compressed big bags, 5 m³ mega-bales, or small compressed bags weighing 15 to 20 kg.
FAQ
Between 5 and 8 cm for most uses, up to 10 cm in areas that are highly exposed or overrun with weeds. 3 to 5 cm may be sufficient for short-cycle vegetable crops (e.g., lettuce, radishes, etc.).
Its effectiveness generally lasts a full year before a follow-up application is needed. The duration will depend on the soil depth, weather conditions, and the crops in question.
High performance: Miscanthus forms a compact mulch that suppresses weeds by
depriving them of light.
Quantitative results: Studies show a reduction in weed coverage
of 80% to 90% compared to tillage.
Limitations: Mulching is less effective against bindweed and creeping plants. Its effectiveness
depends heavily on the initial soil preparation (must be applied to clean soil) and the weather (
heavy rains promote infestation)
Yes, this is one of the ways it is most valued: without the use of chemicals, it reduces the need for watering and weeding between crops.
Yes, it gradually breaks down through the action of soil microorganisms and enriches the soil with organic matter.
Both are effective plant-based mulches for controlling weeds. Miscanthus comes from a perennial agricultural crop that is harvested annually—unlike bark, which is a byproduct of the timber industry. Miscanthus has the advantage of having a neutral pH, which can be beneficial under certain conditions. It is also the plant-based mulch that retains its light color the longest, providing a lasting backdrop that highlights the mulched plants.
Are you interested in miscanthus?
Contact us for more information.