Best Chinese Silver Grasses for Your Garden (Miscanthus sinensis)

Best Japanese Silver Grasses, Best Chinese Silver Grasses, Best Maiden Grasses, Best Eulalia

Adding structure and interest to the fall and winter garden, Miscanthus sinensis (Chinese Silver Grass) are fabulous ornamental grasses that should have a spot in any garden. 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.

Native to China, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, Miscanthus sinensis are sun-loving deciduous grasses that have become so popular that they are now available in a wide range of lovely cultivars varying in height, leaf width, leaf color or flower plume color. Their erect, airy, plumed seed heads are typically produced in late summer (August or September) or early fall (October) and range from pale silver through to buff and to deep purplish-red depending on the variety. 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, providing a charming and architectural display.

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, and use only a vegetatively propagated cultivar that has shown little or no evidence of self-seeding in your area. Discover beautiful U.S. native plant alternatives.

When it comes to selecting the right Chinese Silver Grass, the task may become daunting as there are over 150 varieties of Miscanthus sinensis to choose from. Below is a selection of the best and most distinctive Chinese Silver Grasses that could become the highlight of your garden. Many have been acknowledged by the Royal Horticultural Society as plants of outstanding excellence for garden decoration through its Award of Garden Merit (AGM).

Guide Information

Hardiness	5 - 9
Plant Type	Ornamental Grasses
Genus	Miscanthus
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest	Summer (Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
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

Best and most distinctive Japanese Silver Grasses

Miscanthus sinensis ‘Flamingo’ (Chinese Silver Grass)

Miscanthus sinensis ‘Flamingo’, an award-winning Chinese Silver Grass, boasts beautiful rose-pink, pendant flower plumes that transition to silvery white, offering winter interest. Its elegant arching green leaves, with prominent white midribs, turn to orange-gold in autumn. This drought-tolerant grass forms a dense, upright clump reaching 5-6 feet tall and is resistant to deer and rabbits.

Hardiness	5 - 9
Height	5' - 6' (150cm - 180cm)
Spread	4' - 5' (120cm - 150cm)

Miscanthus sinensis ‘Ghana’ (Chinese Silver Grass)

Miscanthus sinensis ‘Ghana’, an award-winning Chinese Silver Grass, showcases stunning reddish flower plumes that gracefully transition to silvery white, providing winter interest. Its elegant, narrow, bright green leaves turn a captivating red-burgundy to golden yellow in autumn. This drought-tolerant grass forms a dense, upright clump reaching 5-6 feet tall and is resistant to deer and rabbits. A highly rewarding ornamental grass choice!

Hardiness	5 - 9
Height	5' - 6' (150cm - 180cm)
Spread	4' - 5' (120cm - 150cm)

Miscanthus sinensis ‘Grosse Fontane’ (Chinese Silver Grass)

Miscanthus sinensis ‘Grosse Fontane’, an award-winning Chinese Silver Grass or ‘Large Fountain’, is a majestic and impressive ornamental grass. Its airy plumes emerge red in summer, transforming to shiny silvery-white in fall and remaining attractive throughout winter. With variegated foliage of arching green leaves featuring white midribs, it turns striking shades of orange, red, and purple in autumn. Standing tall at 8 feet, it adds beauty and winter interest to the garden. Moderately drought tolerant, it is also resistant to deer and rabbits.

Hardiness	5 - 9
Height	6' - 8' (180cm - 240cm)
Spread	4' - 5' (120cm - 150cm)

Miscanthus sinensis ‘Kaskade’ (Chinese Silver Grass)

Chinese Silver Grass ‘Kaskade’ is a robust and tall ornamental grass, prized for its impressive cascading rose-pink flower plumes that emerge in mid-late summer. As they mature, the plumes transition to a beautiful silvery white, providing interest throughout the winter. The grass features narrow, arching green leaves with striking white midribs that turn copper-red and bronze in fall before fading to a pewter hue. Growing in a dense, upright clump, it reaches a height of 6-7 feet and is tolerant of drought, salt, deer, and rabbits.

Hardiness	5 - 9
Height	6' - 7' (180cm - 210cm)
Spread	3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm)

Miscanthus sinensis ‘Kleine Fontane’ (Chinese Silver Grass)

Miscanthus sinensis ‘Kleine Fontane’, an award-winning Chinese Silver Grass or ‘Little Fountain’, is a compact and abundantly flowering ornamental grass. Its attractive plumes emerge red in summer, transitioning to shiny silvery-white in fall and remaining appealing throughout winter. Rising above graceful, narrow, arching green leaves with white midribs, it turns eye-catching shades of yellow in autumn. Ideal as a specimen plant, it adds beauty and winter interest to small gardens.

Hardiness	5 - 9
Height	4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm)
Spread	2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)

Miscanthus sinensis ‘Kleine Silberspinne’ (Chinese Silver Grass)

Chinese Silver Grass ‘Kleine Silberspinne’ is a remarkable ornamental grass, ideal for small gardens. With fine-textured, arching green leaves displaying white midribs, it transforms to warm reddish-bronze hues in autumn, forming an exquisite fountain shape. Graceful reddish flower plumes emerge in late summer, changing to pale brown for delightful winter interest. Growing up to 4 feet tall, it is drought-tolerant and resistant to deer and rabbits.

Hardiness	5 - 9
Height	3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm)
Spread	2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)

Miscanthus sinensis ‘Malepartus’ (Chinese Silver Grass)

Chinese Silver Grass ‘Malepartus’ is a fabulous focal point, with vigorous growth and abundant, large pink-tinged flower plumes in late summer. Blooming earlier than most Miscanthus, the flowers transition to silver, offering winter interest. Rising gracefully above elegant, arching green leaves with white midribs, they turn stunning shades of red, orange, and bronze in fall. This drought and salt-tolerant grass forms a dense, upright clump up to 6-7 feet tall and is resistant to deer and rabbits.

Hardiness	5 - 9
Height	6' - 7' (180cm - 210cm)
Spread	3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm)

Miscanthus sinensis ‘Silberfeder’ (Chinese Silver Grass)

Chinese Silver Grass ‘SilberFeder’ is a reliable and robust ornamental grass, showcasing tall and airy plumes that emerge in sparkling pinkish-silver tones in late summer and transition to shining silvery-white in fall. With attractive variegated foliage of arching green leaves featuring thin white midribs, it turns a lovely wheat shade in autumn. Standing out beautifully in the garden, it provides captivating winter interest, growing in a dense, upright clump up to 8 feet tall. Drought and salt tolerant, it is also resistant to deer and rabbits.

Hardiness	4 - 9
Height	6' - 8' (180cm - 240cm)
Spread	4' - 5' (120cm - 150cm)

Miscanthus sinensis ‘Strictus’ (Porcupine Grass)

Porcupine Grass ‘Strictus’, an award-winning ornamental grass, stands out with its distinctive variegated foliage featuring unique horizontal soft yellow rings along gracefully arching leaves that turn pale brown in fall. Complemented by attractive pinkish plumes transitioning to silver, it resembles Miscanthus ‘Zebrinus’ but boasts a more upright and compact habit. This deciduous grass forms a dense, stiffly upright clump reaching 6-8 ft. tall. Drought and salt tolerant, it is also resistant to deer and rabbits.

Hardiness	4 - 9
Height	6' - 8' (180cm - 240cm)
Spread	3' - 5' (90cm - 150cm)

Miscanthus sinensis ‘Yakushima Dwarf’ (Chinese Silver Grass)

Dwarf Chinese Silver Grass ‘Yakushima Dwarf’ is a compact and useful landscape plant. Its fine-textured, silvery-green foliage forms an exquisite fountain shape on short, upright stems, swaying gracefully in the breeze. Blooming from late summer to fall, it showcases long-lasting, pinky-brown plumes that turn silvery white for winter interest. Rarely flopping, this drought-tolerant grass grows in a dense, upright clump reaching 3 ft. tall, attracting birds while being ignored by deer.

Hardiness	5 - 9
Height	3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm)
Spread	2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)

Miscanthus sinensis ‘Zebrinus’ (Zebra Grass)

Zebra Grass ‘Zebrinus’ (Miscanthus sinensis), an award-winning ornamental grass, features distinct variegated foliage with horizontal soft yellow rings along gracefully arching leaves. The attractive foliage transitions to rich gold in fall before turning tan in winter. Complemented by spectacular pinkish-copper plumes that mature to buff-silver, it stands out beautifully in the garden, offering captivating winter interest. Growing up to 5-7 feet tall, it thrives as a specimen plant. Drought-tolerant, it is also resistant to deer and rabbits.

Hardiness	5 - 9
Height	5' - 7' (150cm - 210cm)
Spread	4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm)

Miscanthus sinensis var. condensatus ‘Cosmopolitan’ (Chinese Silver Grass)

Chinese Silver Grass ‘Cosmopolitan’, an award-winning ornamental grass, impresses with its tall stature and luminous variegated foliage. The arching green leaves feature creamy margins and pale green midribs, transitioning to golden yellow in fall and fading to straw-beige in winter. Elegant copper flower plumes emerge in late summer or early fall, delicately changing to silvery white for excellent winter interest. It pairs beautifully with large-leaved perennials for contrasting effect. This drought and salt-tolerant grass grows in a dense, upright, rounded fountain-like clump reaching 6-8 ft. tall, while remaining resistant to deer and rabbits.

Hardiness	5 - 9
Height	6' - 8' (180cm - 240cm)
Spread	4' - 5' (120cm - 150cm)

Growing Tips

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.

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Botanik Foto

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.