Miscanthus sinensis species
Botanical Name
Miscanthus sinensis
Hardiness
Zones 4 to 9, varies by cultivar
Height
3 to 8 feet
Width
3 to 4 feet
Flowers
Late summer to fall: pale pink to reddish
Fall Color
Gold to some red
Light
Full sun
Soil
Well-drained
Planting and Care
Floppy with too much shade, transplant in spring, cut back in late winter before new growth begins, lift and divide every 4 to 5 years when center of plant dies out
Problems
None serious
Varieties to Consider
Miscanthus sinensis var. purpurascens - Zone 4, 4-5', orange-red in fall, flowers in August
'Gracillimus' - 5-7', narrow foliage, bronze flowers in late fall
'Strictus' - horizontal yellow banding, more upright than 'Zebrinus', Zone 4
'Gracillimus' - 5-7', narrow foliage, bronze flowers in late fall
'Strictus' - horizontal yellow banding, more upright than 'Zebrinus', Zone 4
Did you know?
Do not plant Chinese silver banner grass (Miscanthus sacchariflorus). This unmannered grass has been known to take over the landscape and invade natural areas.