Miscanthus sinensis 'Morning Light'

Also Known As

Morning Light Japanese Silver Grass

Plant type

perennial, grass / grass like

size

H: 6'-7'
W: 4'-5'

planting zones

5a-9b

More Options

Miscanthus sinensis 'Morning Light' plant details

Miscanthus sinensis 'Morning Light' is a semi-evergreen perennial grass (or grassy in appearance) with blue and green foliage. In fall tan flowers emerge. Features grassy texture. Grows well with sun and even moisture - occasional water. Does well in average and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Miscanthus sinensis 'Morning Light'

Plant type: perennial grass (or grassy in appearance)
Plant family: poaceae
Foliage: semi-evergreen blue and green
Mature size: 4 FT - 5 FT - wide, 6 FT - 7 FT - tall
Flowers: tan blooms in fall
Uses: border plant, container plant, fall color, rock garden

GROWING CONDITIONS for Miscanthus sinensis 'Morning Light'

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

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Miscanthus sinensis ‘Morning Light’ is noted for its very narrow green leaves with white variegation on the margins giving an overall silvery appearance. It typically forms an upright, rounded clump of foliage 4-6 feet tall. Tiny reddish-copper flowers appear in long tassel-like inflorescences above the foliage in mid to late September, gradually turning to silver. Blooms later than most cultivars. A smaller and more fine-textured version of the popular 'Gracillimus'. Deer resistant.

By: Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

?One of the finest of the newer cultivars? (R. Grounds), the white-margined leaves of this fine-textured 3-4' grass give it a silver sheen; grown for over a century in Japan as a bonsai companion plant. S/M

By: Forestfarm

Narrow clumps of gracefully sweeping, silver variegated leaves. Flowers are a deep red-bronze and the leaves have a pink cast in the fall. Foliage should be left standing throughout the winter for visual interest and to provide protection for the crowns. Cut back a few inches from the ground before new growth in the spring.

By: Garden World

Delicate, vertical stripes of creamy white grace the long, narrow green blades of 'Morning Light', creating a splash of fine foliage that would satisfy even without the feathery, pinkish panicles that appear just above. A beauty!

By: Digging Dog Nursery

The fine-textured leaves of this elegant, varigated selection appear silvery at a distance due to the narrow bands of clear white along the leaf margins. The upright, arching foliage grows to 4 or 5' tall with a rounded habit similar to 'Gracillimus'. Silky flowers with a reddish tint are held above the foliage in fall.

By: Native Sons

We haven't offered this form of Miscanthus for a few years years, and although not as vigorous as some, its lovely white edged foliage and shorter habit add grace to the landscape. 5-6'.

By: Avant Gardens

The delicate foliage is highlighted with a narrow band of white on the border offering luminescence from a distance, and not just in the morning light. The upright arching foliage grows 4-5' tall with flowers that emerge a pink bronze and dry to a fluffy cream, reaching 6'. The fine foliage creates a delicate and gauzy effect. Performs best when protected from hot afternoon sun.

By: Greer Gardens Inc.

Light and airy upright stems of fine foliage that is striped green and white. Clumping growth 16" wide and 4-5' tall. Not the newest but still one of the most popular.

By: Dancing Oaks Nursery

Perhaps the most elegant of the dozens of miscanthus cultivars on the market today. It has narrow, arching blades of green with fine cream-white margins. Similar in size and texture to 'Gracillimus', but slower growing and not inclined to flop. Autumn flowers open coppery red. The whole plant turns an attractive tawny color in winter and stands erect unless beaten down by ice or wet snow. Rarely self-sows. Warm-season grower.