About
Miscanthus sacchariflorus, Amur silver grass, is a vigorous, upright, deciduous grass to 2.5 m or more with long, arching leaves 3 cm wide with a prominent white midrib. In autumn, fan-shaped, silky, silver-white flowering panicles appear, persisting attractively into winter. A dramatic and ornamental grass for a large, sunny, well-drained border. Can spread widely by rhizomes.
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, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeGrass Like, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Architectural, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal
Native toFar East
Care notes
CultivationTolerant of most conditions but best in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun.
PruningWhere stems are left for winter interest, they should be cut to the ground by early spring
PropagationPropagate by division as new growth commences in early spring. Division is also a useful means to rejuvenate mature plants that are congested and bare at the centre
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free