Plant types

Plant styles

Planting conditions

Seasonal interest

Nurseries & Gardens

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Miscanthus sinensis

Also Known As

Japanese Silver Grass

Plant type

perennial, grass / grass like

size

H: 6'-9'
W: 4'

planting zones

5a-9b

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Miscanthus sinensis plant details

Miscanthus sinensis is a semi-evergreen perennial grass (or grassy in appearance) with blue, green and variegated foliage. tan flowers emerge. Features grassy texture. Grows well with sun and even moisture water. Drought tolerant once established. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Miscanthus sinensis

Plant type: perennial grass (or grassy in appearance)
Plant family: poaceae
Foliage: semi-evergreen blue, green and variegated
Mature size: 4 FT wide, 6 FT - 9 FT - tall
Flowers: tan blooms
Uses: border plant, hedge, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Miscanthus sinensis

USDA Zones: 5a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: even moisture
Resistant to: verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

A graceful warm season grass to 6' tall with elegant flower plumes appearing from mid-summer to late fall, many consider this species and its cultivars to be the showiest of all the grasses. Fall foliage color varies by cultivar, though most are completely dormant by December, their winter foliage adding seasonal interest and a musical rustle in the wind. Cut back whole plants to the ground just as the new growth begins to appear in spring and prepare for the glorious display of summer flowers held in tassel-like plumes above the foliage. Most sources recommend full sun or light shade with regular garden water though we have found a number of cultivars to be surprisingly drought tolerant. Plants are typically much smaller (to perhaps 3 or 4') with restricted water. Hardy to 0F or below. China and Japan.

By: Native Sons

This parent of so many amazing cultivars is a beauty in itself, a clump former with green, white-ribbed leaves ; large reddish to silver flower plumes in fall. Sun/Med

By: Forestfarm

M. sinensis is a good choice for a specimen grass in the landscape. It can also be used successfully as a screen if grown in moist conditions: shallow water, water's edge or moist garden. It does best in full sun and grows to 6-9'.