Choose Miscanthus If You Are Looking For a Bold Landscaping Statement

When you are looking for large bold plants, suited to mass plantings, then the Miscanthus family of ornamental grasses could easily fit the bill. These low maintenance plants will integrate well in a mixed or perennial border as well. Miscanthus easily tolerates heat and humidity, so is an extremely good choice for warmer regions. It is hardy in zones 4 or 5 through 9, so can be used extensively.

These bold ornamental grasses are clump-forming, so will not be invasive. The flowers of all species and varieties are fan shaped panicles that add an airy graceful touch to the fall borders. Use the flowers to add to your cut bouquets as well. The tall stalks which hold the flowers remain upright over winter, giving your garden and border some interesting highlights in an otherwise barren season.

The three main species of Miscanthus are:

Miscanthus floridulus. Known as giant Chinese silver grass, this has tall clumps of green leaves with gracefully arching tips. The tall stalks support reddish-pink flower spikes that open to silvery plumes as they mature. Tolerating poor soil and even shade, this 3 foot tall specimen can even be used as a screen or living fence.

Miscanthus sacchariflorus. Giant silver grass (Robustus) quickly forms a patch of tall corn-stalk like stems, with graceful arching foliage resembling bamboo. The silvery plumes turn reddish as they mature, and the foliage also turns an interesting red-orange in the fall. The roots of this variety do tend to run, so be careful where you locate it. It is suited to a waterside location as it prefers a rich and moist to wet soil.

Miscanthus sinensis.The Japanese silver grass is probably the most common Miscanthus, with a superb group of specimens, most ranging 5 - 6 feet tall. All of them bloom in fall, holding their shape well into winter. The foliage fades into tan and cream shades, so is a nice contrast to winter evergreens. Some of the most popular sinensis varieties are:


Zebrinus: Bright green leaves with horizontal bands of yellow. Tiny copper tassel like flowers open to silvery white plumes in the fall. Zebra grass grows to 5 - 7 feet and may need staking.

Variegatus: Variegated silver grass has distinct striped green and white leaves in an arching clump. It has creamy plumes in September, and with a height of 5 - 6 feet, makes a bold statement.

Silberfeder: Silver feather grass is an older selection with shimmery white plumes held high above the foliage on tall stems.

Purpurascens: Known as flame grass, this ornamental grass has upright clumps of green leaves that turn flame-orange and red in fall. Spikes of rose flowers show in August.

Gracillimus: Maiden grass has long arching and narrow green leaves that curl towards the tips. Not a reliable flowering type in cooler areas.

Morning Light: This variegated maiden grass is similar to gracillimus, but has a narrow band of white on the leaf margins, giving a silvery shimmering effect. Its late showing flowers are bronze-red spikes.
Many other varieties of this ornamental grass are available. If you are looking for a taller clumping grass to add a striking and bold accent to your gardens, then look no farther than the Miscanthus species.