Japanese Silver Grass, Chinese Silver Grass, Maiden Grass, Eulalia
Miscanthus sinensis (Chinese Silver Grass) is a fast-growing grass that offers multi-season interest – fresh green leaves in spring, beautiful flowers in late summer and fall, and dried seed heads and golden-brown foliage in winter. The dry stalks also create a lovely rustling sound in the wind.
Native: Miscanthus sinensis, also known as Chinese Silver Grass or Maiden Grass, is native to eastern Asia, including China, Japan, and Korea. Traditionally used in Japan in decorative art and gardens, Miscanthus made a royal entrance into occidental gardens about a century ago, thanks to the spectacular feathery plumes towering above their graceful arching foliage and their year-long interest in the garden.
Description: This perennial ornamental grass is highly esteemed for its arching, narrow leaves, and feathery, plume-like flowers that sway gracefully in the breeze. Its upright form, delicate textures, and year-round interest make it a striking addition to the landscape.
Growth Habit & Size: Typically, Miscanthus sinensis forms a compact, upright clump with a rounded, fountain-like shape. It offers an exhaustive array of heights, from dwarf grasses no taller than 32 inches (80 cm) to majestic giants reaching 8 feet (240 cm).
Flowers: Miscanthus sinensis produces spectacular feathery flowers or ‘inflorescences’ that range from silver to pink to reddish-brown. Shining in the summer sun, they all fade to silver within 3-4 weeks and turn soft and fluffy. They generally retain their good looks well into the winter, adding interest to the dormant season landscape.
Foliage: The linear leaves of Miscanthus sinensis have a prominent midrib and sharp edges, with colors ranging from green to silver-green, often with a white midrib. Many cultivars offer striking autumn colors.
Blooming Season: Miscanthus sinensis typically flowers from late summer to fall, with the blossoms often lasting into winter.
Hardiness: Miscanthus sinensis is hardy to USDA zones 5-9, tolerating winter temperatures as low as -20°F (-28°C).
Uses: Due to its impressive height and beautiful flowers, Miscanthus sinensis is often used as a specimen plant, in mass plantings, or as a privacy screen or windbreak. It’s also excellent in mixed borders or as a backdrop to shorter plants.
Pollinators: Chinese silver grass attracts various forms of wildlife to the garden. Its tall plumes offer food and shelter for birds, while the dense foliage provides cover and nesting opportunities for small mammals.
Toxicity: Miscanthus sinensis is not known to be toxic to humans or animals.
Deer and Rabbit: It’s generally considered resistant to deer and rabbits, which typically ignore this plant in favor of tastier options.
Drought: Miscanthus sinensis is notably drought-tolerant once established, making it a great option for dry or xeriscaping gardens.
Invasiveness: Chinese silver grass spreads vegetatively by rhizomes and also by seed. The species form of Miscanthus sinensis is invasive in several US states. The invasive potential is of less concern for many of its ornamental cultivars, some of which are sterile. However, as a general rule, do not plant more than one cultivar on your property. Use only a vegetatively propagated cultivar showing no evidence of self-seeding in your area. Discover beautiful U.S. native plant alternatives.
Choosing the right Chinese Silver Grass for your garden depends on several factors. Here are a few considerations to help you make an informed decision:
Size: The size of the mature plant is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a cultivar of Miscanthus sinensis. Some varieties can grow up to 8 feet (2.4 meters) tall, while others remain under 5 feet (1.5 meters). The right size will depend on where in your landscape you’re planning to plant the grass and what role it will play – whether as a focal point, a border plant, or a privacy screen.
Foliage and Flower Color: Chinese Silver Grass comes in an array of colors and textures. Some varieties boast bright green foliage, while others feature silvery or variegated leaves. Flower plumes can range from silvery-white to pinkish or reddish tones. Choose based on what will best complement your existing landscape and color scheme.
Bloom Time: Although most Chinese Silver Grass flowers in late summer or fall, the exact timing and duration of blooming can vary by cultivar. Choose a variety that will provide visual interest when you most frequently enjoy your garden.
Hardiness: Although most Miscanthus sinensis varieties are hardy in USDA zones 5-9, specific cultivars may be more suited to the colder or warmer ends of this range. Choose a variety that can comfortably withstand your area’s lowest winter temperatures.
Invasiveness: You might want to opt for a sterile cultivar that doesn’t produce viable seeds, such as ‘Silberpfeil’, ‘Cabaret’, or Miscanthus × giganteus, to prevent the plant from spreading uncontrollably. However, please note that Chinese silver grass also spreads vegetatively. It is best not to plant it adjacent to wildland areas.
Sunlight and Soil Requirements: Lastly, make sure the variety you choose is well-suited to the light levels and soil type in your garden. Most Miscanthus sinensis prefer full sun and well-drained soil.
Remember, the “right” plant is ultimately one that brings you joy and fits well within your garden’s conditions and aesthetic.
Below is a comparative list of popular Chinese Silver Grasses to help you select the right plant for the right space.
| Hardiness |
5 - 9 |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Ornamental Grasses |
| Genus | Miscanthus |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Summer (Mid, Late) Fall Winter |
| Height |
3' - 8' (90cm - 240cm) |
| Spread |
3' - 5' (90cm - 150cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Showy |
| Tolerance | Drought, Deer, Salt, Rabbit |
| Attracts | Birds |
| Landscaping Ideas | Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens |
| Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Modern Garden, Prairie and Meadow, Traditional Garden |
Designing a garden with Chinese Silver Grass (Miscanthus sinensis) can add a dynamic visual element and a sense of movement to your outdoor space. Here are a few ideas on how to incorporate this versatile ornamental grass into your garden design:
As a backdrop: Plant a row of Miscanthus sinensis at the back of a border, where their height can provide a beautiful backdrop to shorter plants.
As a focal point: Use a single, well-placed Miscanthus sinensis as a garden centerpiece. Its clump-forming habit, tall stature, and elegant arching foliage can make a striking statement.
In a mixed border: Combine Miscanthus sinensis with other perennial plants to create a diverse, four-season border. You could pair them with late-flowering perennials, such as sedum or asters, to complement the grass’s autumnal blooms.
In a wildlife-friendly garden: Miscanthus sinensis provides shelter for birds and other wildlife during the winter months. Plant it in a wildlife-friendly garden to enhance the biodiversity of your space.
As a privacy screen: Given its height and density, Miscanthus sinensis can be used to create a living screen or hedge, providing privacy or obscuring less appealing views.
In a container: Smaller cultivars of Miscanthus sinensis can be planted in containers to add height and movement to patios, decks, or balcony gardens.
In a water-wise garden: Miscanthus sinensis is drought-tolerant once established, making it an excellent choice for water-wise or xeriscape gardens.
As a coastal plant: Thanks to its tolerance to salt, Chinese Silver Grass can be used in coastal gardens where other plants may struggle.
Remember to consider the specific needs of your chosen cultivar when designing your garden – including its light requirements, hardiness, and potential for invasiveness.
Companion planting with Chinese Silver Grass can lead to beautiful, dynamic gardenscapes. It’s a versatile plant that works well with a variety of partners. Here are some plants that would pair well with Miscanthus sinensis:
Perennials: Late-blooming perennials such as Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’, Coneflowers (Echinacea), and Black-Eyed Susans (Rudbeckia) work well with Miscanthus. These plants bloom around the same time as Miscanthus and can provide a nice color contrast.
Other Ornamental Grasses: Planting Miscanthus with other ornamental grasses like Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) and Feather Reed Grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora) can create a textured, layered effect in the garden.
Asters: The vibrant purples and blues of Aster flowers create a beautiful contrast with the feathery, tan-colored blooms of Miscanthus. This combination can extend the interest in your garden into late fall.
Shrubs: Shrubs like Hydrangea or Spiraea provide contrasting shape and form against the tall, slender profile of Miscanthus.
Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia): The silvery foliage and lavender-blue flowers of Russian sage pair well with the grassy textures of Miscanthus.
Japanese Anemones (Anemone × hybrida): They add a splash of color in late summer and autumn, when they burst into bloom with masses of vibrant pink or white, poppy-like flowers. Their delicate, elegant form contrasts beautifully with the robust, fountain-like structure of Miscanthus.
Helenium (Sneezeweed): Their vibrant blooms create a beautiful contrast to Miscanthus’s tall, feathery plumes.
Dahlias, with their large, brilliant blooms and lush foliage, can bring a bold and dramatic element to the garden when paired with Miscanthus sinensis. They bloom from midsummer right through to the first frost, providing prolonged color in the landscape. As Dahlias come in a myriad of colors, you can choose varieties that best complement the specific Miscanthus sinensis variety you have.
Planting Miscanthus sinensis with these companions can create a visually dynamic garden with extended seasonal interest. Just remember to consider the growth habits and cultural requirements of each plant to ensure a healthy and balanced landscape.
Growing Miscanthus sinensis can be a rewarding addition to your garden with its beautiful, feathery blooms and graceful arching form. Here are the steps to grow this ornamental grass:
Choosing a Site: Miscanthus sinensis prefers a full sun position with well-draining soil. It can tolerate partial shade, but a full sun location is needed for optimal growth and flower production. It is not overly fussy about soil type and can thrive in clay, loamy, or sandy soils.
Planting: Plant Miscanthus sinensis in early spring or early fall. Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball, place the plant in, and backfill with soil. Ensure the top of the root ball is level with or slightly below the surrounding soil. Space plants about 3 to 6 feet (90-180 cm) apart depending on the variety.
Watering: Water thoroughly after planting. Miscanthus sinensis is relatively drought tolerant once established, but you should water regularly during dry periods in the first year to help the plant get established.
Fertilizing: Apply a slow-release granular fertilizer in the spring as new growth emerges to promote healthy development. Avoid over-fertilizing as this can lead to lush foliage but fewer blooms.
Pruning: In late winter or early spring before new growth starts, cut back the previous year’s foliage to about 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) above the ground. This promotes new growth and helps keep the plant tidy.
Division: Over time, the center of the clump may die out, leaving a donut-shaped plant. If this happens or if the plant becomes too large for its space, you can divide the plant in the spring. Dig up the clump, divide it into sections with a sharp shovel or knife, and replant the sections.
Pests and Diseases: Miscanthus sinensis is generally pest and disease resistant. Occasionally, it may be bothered by aphids or rust, but these issues are usually not severe.
Remember to monitor the plant’s spread, as Miscanthus sinensis can become invasive in some regions. Always follow local guidelines or recommendations regarding the cultivation of potentially invasive plants.
| Hardiness |
5 - 9 |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Ornamental Grasses |
| Genus | Miscanthus |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Summer (Mid, Late) Fall Winter |
| Height |
3' - 8' (90cm - 240cm) |
| Spread |
3' - 5' (90cm - 150cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Showy |
| Tolerance | Drought, Deer, Salt, Rabbit |
| Attracts | Birds |
| Landscaping Ideas | Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens |
| Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Modern Garden, Prairie and Meadow, Traditional Garden |
Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
Join now and start creating your dream garden!
Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
Join now and start creating your dream garden!
