About
Large, clump-forming, deciduous grass, about 2m tall, with strongly upright stems, narrow, arching dark green leaves with a white midrib, fading to pale gold in autumn, then to pale brown in winter. Large, feathery flower panicles, held some distance above the foliage, open a honey-pink in late summer and early autumn, fading to silver and remaining on the plant over winter.
About the genus
Miscanthus can be deciduous or evergreen grasses with tufted or spreading habit, erect stems bearing arching, linear leaves and terminal panicles of silky spikelets in late summer or autumn
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeGrass Like
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Prairie planting, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrow in any moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun, best in an open position. Protect from excessive winter wet. See ornamental grasses cultivation
PruningCut down dead foliage and old flowered stems as they deteriorate, or by early spring
PropagationPropagate by division in spring - can be slow to establish
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free