Overview

Miscanthus sinensis 'Silberfeder' is a bushy grass like in the genus Miscanthus, part of the Poaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 1.5-2.5 metres tall and 1-1.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Miscanthus sinensis 'Silberfeder' 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 'Silberfeder' is an ornamental eulalia grass that forms dense, arching clumps reaching 1.5–2.5 metres. Narrow leaves create a tall, grasslike silhouette while upright flowering plumes rise above the foliage. Flowering occurs from August to October. It prefers full sun and moist but well-drained soils and typically spreads to about 1–1.5 metres, taking 2–5 years to reach full height.

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

In the garden

A form of Miscanthus sinensis bred for garden use, 'Silberfeder' originates from the same eastern Asian species grown widely for its late-season plumes. It produces a substantial clump of narrow leaves and carries its flowers on stems that tower above the foliage in late summer and autumn. Plant 'Silberfeder' in a sunny spot with soil that is moist but drains freely; it tolerates chalk, clay, loam and sand and will grow across acid, neutral and alkaline pH ranges. It suits south-, north-, east- and west-facing aspects and will tolerate both exposed and sheltered positions. Rated H6 in the UK, it is very hardy and will survive typical winter conditions. Expect a mature height of 1.5–2.5 metres with a spread of about 1–1.5 metres, reaching this size over two to five years. Use the grass where structure and seasonal plumes are needed: as a screen or tall hedge, in flower borders, gravel or coastal schemes, and for wildlife planting. It also supplies long stems for floral work. Harvest flowering stems when the plumes open during the August–October window for drying or fresh arrangements.

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 'Silberfeder' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Grass Like

Habit

Bushy

Foliage

Deciduous

Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Spread

1-1.5 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 'Silberfeder'

Cultivation

Plant in full sun in moist, well-drained soil. Tolerates a range of soil types including chalk, clay, loam, and sand. Cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh growth. Divide clumps in spring to propagate and maintain vigor.

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

More in the Miscanthus genus

• 
  Miscanthus sinensis 'Silver Charm'Chinese Silver Grass
• Miscanthus x giganteus 'Gilt Edge' (v)eulalia 'Gilt Edge'