Plant Type

Perennial, Grass

 

Height Range

3-6'

 

Flower Color

Red

 

Flower Season

Summer, Fall

 

Leaf Color

Green, Silver, White, Variegated

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full, Half

 

Water

Medium

 

Growth Rate

Moderate

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Well-drained, Moist

 

Soil pH

Neutral

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

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

 

Accenting Features

Unusual Foliage

 

Seasonal Interest

Winter, Summer, Fall

 

Location Uses

Background, Entry, Perennial Border, Shrub Border, Foundation, Patio, Park

 

Special Uses

Cut Flowers, Hedge, Screen, Mass Planting, Naturalizing

 

Attracts Wildlife

Birds

Morning Light maiden grass is a graceful clumping grass with an upright, arching habit. Its narrow green leaves are banded at the margins in white, giving it a silvery appearance. The clump grows 4 to 5 feet, and the flowers, usually appearing in the fall, stand at 5 to 6 feet. Flowers emerge reddish-bronze and fade to buff. Due to its white margins, Morning Light does better in part sun conditions, with some mid to late day shade. Lovely as an accent or massed with other grasses and shrubs.

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.