Miscanthus Sinensis, commonly known as Chinese silver grass, Japanese silver grass, or Eulalia grass, is a clump-forming warm-season grass that typically grows to 3-7’ tall. It is native to lowlands and lower alpine areas in Japan, Korea, and China. It has escaped gardens and naturalized in over 25 states in the Central and Eastern U.S. east of the Mississippi River plus several western States including Colorado and California.
This grass features a dense clump of upward-arching stems and leaves which give it a rounded, fountain-like appearance. Linear leaves (3-4’ long and 3/8” wide) have tapered tips, serrate margins, and whitish to silvery midribs. Foliage often turns attractive shades of yellow to orange by mid-fall before gradually fading to beige-tan for winter. Pink to red flowers in feathery, whisk-like, loose terminal panicles (8-10” long) bloom above the foliage from late August to October. Flower panicles gradually turn beige by mid-fall as the seeds mature. Flower panicles and foliage both retain good arching shape, beige color, and ornamental interest throughout winter, with enhanced attractiveness often coming from a covering of newly fallen snow.
| Requirement | |
|---|---|
| Hardiness | 4,5,6,7,8 |
| Heat Zones | 5,6,7,8,9 |
| Climate Zones | 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 |
| Plant Type | Ornamental Grasses |
| Plant Family | Poaceae or Gramineae |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest | Summer, Fall, Early Summer, Mid Summer, Late Summer |
| Height | 3' - 4', 5' - 6' |
| Spread | 3' - 4' |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Soil Type | Acid |
| Characteristics | Showy, Drought Tolerant |
| Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Cutting Garden, Modern Garden, Prairie and Meadow |
| Planting Place | Beds and Borders, Edging, Hedges and Screens, Patio and Containers |