Plant Type

Perennial, Grass

 

Height Range

3-6', 6-12'

 

Flower Color

Red

 

Flower Season

Summer, Fall

 

Leaf Color

Green, Yellow, Variegated

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full, Half

 

Water

Medium, Extra in Summer

 

Growth Rate

Moderate

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Poor, Well-drained, Dry

 

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

English Cottage, Formal, Japanese, Meadow, Mediterranean, Ranch, Seascape, Spanish, Tropical, Woodland

 

Accenting Features

Showy Flowers, Specimen, Unusual Foliage

 

Seasonal Interest

Winter, Summer, Fall

 

Location Uses

Background, Perennial Border, Shrub Border, Foundation, Patio, Raised Planter, Walls / Fences

 

Special Uses

Cut Flowers, Hedge, Screen, Mass Planting, Small Spaces

 

Attracts Wildlife

Birds

'Punktchen' is a maidengrass noted for its erect, spiky, compact form, its tall flower plumes and its yellow, horizontally banded foliage. It is one of the shorter Miscanthus cultivars, growing 3 to 4 feet tall; however it sends up unusually long flower stalks (to 3 feet above the foliage), bringing the total height to 5 to 7 feet tall. Tiny reddish-brown flowers appear in tassel-like plume well above the foliage in late summer, gradually turning into silvery white in fall. Flower plumes persist well into winter providing good winter interest.

Miscanthus grow in full sun to bright shade, though white variegated forms appreciate a little mid-day shade. Provide well drained soils; sandy-loam to clay-loam will do just fine. All Miscanthus should be cut back in late winter to early spring, about the time that spring bulbs are emerging. Cut back to within inches of the ground. Like other ornamental grasses, Miscanthus pairs well with spring flowering bulbs. See Guides for details.