Plant Type

Perennial, Grass

 

Height Range

3-6', 6-12'

 

Flower Color

Pink, Purple, Red, White

 

Flower Season

Summer, Fall

 

Leaf Color

Green, White, Variegated

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full, Half

 

Water

Medium, Extra in Summer

 

Growth Rate

Fast

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular

 

Soil Condition

Average, Moist

 

Soil pH

Neutral

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

English Cottage, Formal, Japanese, Mediterranean, Water Garden, Wetlands, Native Garden, Woodland

 

Accenting Features

Showy Flowers, Unusual Foliage

 

Seasonal Interest

Winter, Summer, Fall

 

Location Uses

Background, Perennial Border, Shrub Border, Foundation, Park, Swimming Pool, Walls / Fences, With Rocks

 

Special Uses

Container, Cut Flowers, Filler, Screen, Mass Planting

 

Attracts Wildlife

Birds, Butterflies

Miscanthus is a large group of ornamental grasses ranging from a few feet to over 7 or 8 feet tall. Blade colors range from solid green, to green with silver mid-ribs, to variegated forms. Plumes are generally held well above foliage clumps, appearing in late summer to early fall, depending on the variety, and may be cut for fresh or dry arrangements.

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.