Miscanthus sinensis (Chinese Silver Grass)
Japanese Silver Grasses Selection Guide, Chinese Silver Grasses Selection Guide, Maiden Grasses Selection Guide, Eulalia Selection Guide
Adding drama and powerful structure to the landscape, 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.
- Most Chinese Silver grasses are clump-forming with a rounder outline, usually taller than wide, in which the leaves grow up then cascade out and down like a fountain. They offer an exhaustive array of height, starting from dwarf grasses no taller than 32 in. (80 cm) to majestic giants reaching 8 ft. (240 cm).
- 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 comparative list of popular Chinese Silver Grasses which will help you select the right plant for the right space.
Guide Information
Hardiness |
5 - 9
|
---|---|
Plant Type | Ornamental Grasses |
Plant Family | Miscanthus - Maiden Grasses |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Summer (Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
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 | Deer, Drought, Rabbit, Salt |
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 |
By shiro_ring, Shutterstock
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.
Guide Information
Hardiness |
5 - 9
|
---|---|
Plant Type | Ornamental Grasses |
Plant Family | Miscanthus - Maiden Grasses |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Summer (Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
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 | Deer, Drought, Rabbit, Salt |
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 |