Photo of Miscanthus sinensis 'Strictus' foliage by Karl Gercens III

Photo by Karl Gercens III

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Miscanthus sinensis 'Strictus'

Also Known As

  • Porcupine Grass
  • Strictus Chinese Silver Grass

Plant type

perennial, grass / grass like

size

  • H: 4'-8'
  • W: 2'-3'

planting zones

  • 5a-9b

More Options

Miscanthus sinensis 'Strictus' plant details

Miscanthus sinensis 'Strictus' is a fast-growing deciduous perennial grass (or grassy in appearance) with blue, green and variegated foliage. In fall red flowers emerge. Features grassy texture. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and even moisture water. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Miscanthus sinensis 'Strictus'

Plant type: perennial grass (or grassy in appearance)
Plant family: poaceae
Foliage: deciduous blue, green and variegated
Mature size: 2 FT - 3 FT - wide, 4 FT - 8 FT - tall
Flowers: red blooms in fall
Uses: clumping, fall color

GROWING CONDITIONS for Miscanthus sinensis 'Strictus'

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

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

This wonderful grass has a tight, upright, porcupine-like habit! The perfect vertical accent featuring bright golden-yellow banded blades which form an upright 4-6' clump. Eye-catching fluffy blooms of coppery flowers rise 8-9' tall and only add to the dramatic show. Exceptionally easy-going, this grass can tolerate dry to wet soils, black walnut and air pollution; all that and it's a cutie too! S-PSh-D-M-W
A stiffly upright grass with wide green leaves that have horizontal yellow stripes. The copper flowers appear in September, then transition to silver plumes in fall. Cut back to the ground in late winter. Growth Rate fast, 12"+ annually
Bolder/upright Zebra
Sharing many of the attributes of its more common relation, Zebra Grass, this preeminent specimen is a bit denser, stiffer, and more upright. Beautifully at home at water's edge, 'Strictus' displays coppery blooms and lax foliage with bold blond-colored stripes in an irregular, horizontal pattern. When viewed from afar, the warm bands create a spellbinding effect. Porcupine Grass maintains a good form, and is a high-spirited companion for Bergenia 'Bressingham White' and Sedum 'Matrona'.
Stiffly erect with horizontal stripes there is a kinky description tied up here somewhere. ZONE 5
Known as Porcupine grass for its stiff, upright, almost prickly habit. Blades are Zebra-striped like 'Zebrinus', but striping is more prominent. Blooms open red before drying to a soft buff. Grows to 9'.

By: Greer Gardens Inc.

Tall grass, to 5-6 ft tall in clumps to 2-3 ft wide, with yellow, horizontal bands scattered along the leaves, and plumes of tiny, reddish brown flowers that rise above the foliage to 8-9 ft in late summer, turning silver in autumn and lasting into the winter. Similar to zebra grass but more upright in habit. Enjoys sun to part shade and summer water in any soil including very damp places though well-drained is best. Cut back in late winter before new shoots arrive. Frost hardy to -20F, USDA zone 5.
Foliage is green with yellow bands. Flowers mid-September through frost.

Gardening facts about Miscanthus sinensis 'Strictus' plant

How to Grow Miscanthus sinensis 'Strictus'

  • Soil Needs

    • adaptable
    • well-drained
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture
  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly shade
  • Special Situation

    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • variegated
    • green
    • blue
  • Flower Season

    • fall
  • Flower Color

    • red
  • Texture

    • grassy
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
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