About
A deciduous, clump-forming perennial grass to around 120cm in height, with arching, strap-like dark purple and green leaves which turn to a vivid red as autumn approaches and temperatures drop. Drought-tolerant once established and, as an added bonus, can also be used as a biomass source for renewable energy. Graceful plumes of feathery, silvery-cream flowers appear above the foliage from August to October, providing softness and movement to a sunny border.
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
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeGrass Like
HabitBushy, Clump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Prairie planting
Care notes
CultivationGrow in any moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Protect from excessive winter wet
PruningCut down dead leaves and old flowered stems to just above ground level in late winter or early spring; cut stems can be left around the plants as a mulch
PropagationPropagate by division in spring or early summer, before re-growth starts
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free