Overview
Miscanthus sinensis 'Silver Charm' is a clump forming grass in the genus Miscanthus, part of the Poaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 4.0 m tall. Miscanthus sinensis 'Silver Charm' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include architectural, coastal, cottage and informal garden, city and courtyard gardens, prairie planting and flower borders and beds.
About
Miscanthus sinensis 'Silver Charm' is a deciduous, clump-forming grass in the Poaceae that reaches about 4.0 m. It produces tall flowering stems that appear above the foliage and bloom from August to October. It prefers full sun and moist but well-drained soils, tolerating sandy, loamy or clay types across a range of pH values.
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
Miscanthus sinensis 'Silver Charm' belongs to the genus Miscanthus in the grass family Poaceae and is valued for its very tall, clump-forming habit. Flowering stems carry purplish heads from August to October that rise above the foliage, making the flowering season a clear late-summer to autumn feature. Plant it in a sunny spot with soil that retains some moisture but drains freely; it will grow in sandy, loamy or clay soils and copes with acid, neutral or alkaline pH. Situate it where it can receive full sun and where exposure—whether sheltered or exposed—won't be an issue. It is rated H7 for UK hardiness (fully hardy) and corresponds to USDA zones 4–9, so it withstands typical UK winters without special winter protection. At around 4.0 m tall it functions as an architectural element: use it as a tall backdrop in flower borders, for prairie-style plantings, in courtyard or city gardens where vertical structure is wanted, and in coastal or cottage and informal schemes. Place it where the flowerheads can be seen above lower planting, since the August–October blooms form the most distinctive seasonal display.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Miscanthus
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, North-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Miscanthus sinensis 'Silver Charm' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Grass
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 4.0 m
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Prairie planting, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Miscanthus sinensis 'Silver Charm'
- Propagation
- Seed, 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 'Silver Charm'?
Miscanthus sinensis 'Silver Charm' prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Miscanthus sinensis 'Silver Charm' need?
Miscanthus sinensis 'Silver Charm' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How big does Miscanthus sinensis 'Silver Charm' grow?
Miscanthus sinensis 'Silver Charm' reaches a height of 4.0 m.
Is Miscanthus sinensis 'Silver Charm' hardy in the UK?
Miscanthus sinensis 'Silver Charm' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Miscanthus sinensis 'Silver Charm'?
Seed, Division in spring.
More in the Miscanthus genus
- Miscanthus sinensis 'Silberfeder'eulalia 'Silberfeder'
- Miscanthus x giganteus 'Gilt Edge' (v)eulalia 'Gilt Edge'