Overview
Miscanthus sinensis 'Ferner Osten' is a bushy grass like in the genus Miscanthus, part of the Poaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 1-1.5 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Miscanthus sinensis 'Ferner Osten' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include architectural, coastal, cottage and informal garden, gravel garden, wildlife gardens, cut flowers, flower borders and beds and hedging and screens. It is native to East Asia.
About
Miscanthus sinensis, also called eulalia grass, Chinese silver grass, or elephant grass, is a species of flowering plant in the grass family Poaceae, native to most of East Asia and Southeast Asia.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Miscanthus sinensis
About the genus
Miscanthus, or silvergrass, is a genus of African, Eurasian, and Pacific Island plants in the grass family, Poaceae. The name is derived from the Greek words "miskos", meaning "stem", and "anthos", meaning "flower", in reference to the stalked spikelets on plants of this genus. Several species are known for their height and biomass production, and may be used as ornamental grasses.
Wikipedia contributors, "Miscanthus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Miscanthus
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Miscanthus
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Miscanthus sinensis 'Ferner Osten' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Grass Like
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1-1.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Wildlife gardens, Cut flowers, Flower borders and beds, Hedging and screens
- Native to
- East Asia
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Miscanthus sinensis 'Ferner Osten'
- Pruning
- Cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring before new growth begins
- Propagation
- Division in spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Miscanthus sinensis 'Ferner Osten'?
Miscanthus sinensis 'Ferner Osten' prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Miscanthus sinensis 'Ferner Osten' need?
Miscanthus sinensis 'Ferner Osten' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
How do I prune Miscanthus sinensis 'Ferner Osten'?
Cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
How big does Miscanthus sinensis 'Ferner Osten' grow?
Miscanthus sinensis 'Ferner Osten' reaches a height of 1-1.5 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Miscanthus sinensis 'Ferner Osten' hardy in the UK?
Miscanthus sinensis 'Ferner Osten' has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Miscanthus sinensis 'Ferner Osten'?
Division in spring.
More in the Miscanthus genus
- Miscanthus sinensis 'Silberfeder'eulalia 'Silberfeder'
- Miscanthus sinensis 'Silver Charm'Chinese Silver Grass
- Miscanthus x giganteus 'Gilt Edge' (v)eulalia 'Gilt Edge'