About
Miscanthus nepalensis, Himalayan fairy grass, is a deciduous ornamental grass to 1 m with arching, linear, green leaves often turning bronze in winter. In summer it bears terminal panicles of pale-yellow, silky spikelets that develop into attractive, golden seed-heads in autumn. An elegant and rewarding ornamental grass for a sunny, well-drained border.
About the genus
Miscanthus are deciduous or evergreen, tufted or spreading ornamental grasses with erect stems bearing arching, linear leaves and terminal panicles of silky spikelets in late summer and autumn. Popular and ornamental grasses for sunny borders.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, West-facing, East-facing, South-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeGrass Like
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesGravel garden, Architectural, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden
Native toS & SE Asia
Care notes
CultivationGrow in any moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Protect from excessive winter wet
PruningRemove dead foliage and old flowered stems in spring taking care not to damage new shoots. Cut stems can be left on the border as a mulch or composted
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in spring or by division in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free