About

A neat and compact, clump-forming, deciduous perennial grass to around 80cm in height. Upright stems of dense, arching, strap-like green foliage, turning golden as temperatures fall towards autumn, contrast with plumes of reddish-brown flowers which appear from August to October, bringing movement and soft texture to planting schemes.

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
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 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