With roots tracing back to Asia, Miscanthus has been a staple in Europe and North America for nearly a century now. With large plumes and arching foliage, the number of uses both inside and outside of the home are innumerable.
We carry a variety of Miscanthus ornamental grasses that are great for accent, specimen or mass plantings. Certain varieties are often used as container plants and the plumes as interior decor. The preserved and/or dried flowers are long lasting.
Plantsbymail.com offers healthy potted Miscanthus plants at great prices and ships them to your door!
Types of Miscanthus Grass We Offer
While there are approximately 20 species of Miscanthus we are here to offer you a select few that we love. Those are Adagio, Maiden and Cosmopolitan Miscanthus Grass.
Adagio Grass
Adagio is a dwarf variety of Miscanthus grass typically growing to mature height of only 3-4 feet tall when not in bloom and 5 feet when blooming. Like all Miscanthus it is clump-forming ornamental grass and features slender, silver foliage that will fade to a hue of yellow in the fall similar to that of its much larger relatives.
Late summer will make way for small white to pink flowers that eventually develop into the signature white plumes by fall as the seeds have reached maturity. Healthy foliage and the plumes continue to remain headed into winter providing you with a beautiful winter interest.
Maiden Grass
Unlike Adagio grass, Maiden grass is tall grower, but still just as stunning as all other varieties of Miscanthus. Mature plants reach a staggering 8 feet in height, but it is a slow grower. Expect it to take 3+ years to reach the mature height.
Provide the grass with time to establish its roots by planting in the spring or fall before winter sets in. Unique to this variety the stems of Maiden grass will turn red in the fall and the sword shaped leaves have a single silver stripe running vertically through them.
While the leaves are somewhat yellow by mid-fall and fade to a beige in winter, they are still colorful enough to provide an often much needed winter interest.
Cosmopolitan (Chinese Silver Grass) – USDA zone 6 – 9
Last, but not least we have a both fast-growing and tall Miscanthus grass! Miscanthus Sinesis is a fast-growing ornamental that matures to a height of 5-6 feet tall and spreading 4-6 feet wide depending on growing conditions. It is a full sun or morning shade grower that prefers sandy, loamy or clay rich soil.
Unique to this Miscanthus you will find it its composed of dark green and light cream variegated foliage! In the late summer and early fall those large white plumes we all love will appear providing an excellent winter interest and makes for a great companion to large, colorful perennials.
Cosmopolitan grass was a recipient of the prestigious “Award of Garden Merit” by the Royal Horticultural Society. This is a stunning fountain grass that is sure to stand out in any garden as it sways and rustles in the slightest breeze creating an inviting garden space.
Where Should I Plant Miscanthus?
Although there are 20 species of Miscanthus the preferred growing conditions are very similar for the majority if not all of them.
Miscanthus Soil Type
Miscanthus grass will thrive in a wide variety of soils but prefers a neutral or slightly acidic pH level. Well drained soil is a must when growing Miscanthus grass.
Miscanthus Sunlight Requirements
Plant your Miscanthus in full sun for the best results. Full sun will allow the most intense fall color possible, which depending on the variety can be purple, red, orange or gold. Sun is also the main proponent of flower production allowing the plants to produce a large quantity of healthy blooms.
Part sun or shady conditions are not ideal and therefore not suggested. When planted in these area Miscanthus tends to flop down instead of standing tall and arching as it should.
How to water Miscanthus Grass
Water moderately and allow the soil to dry between watering sessions. Once planted water deeply and thoroughly to settle. In an average soil watering should be limited to 1-2 times per week until the plant is established. Once established this drought tolerant plant should not require supplementary watering except for during extremely dry periods.
