Miscanthus sinensis
Chinese silver grass
Common names: Chinese miscanthus, elephant grass
This description was machine-translated.
Description
Miscanthus sinensis, commonly known as Chinese silver grass, is a tall, upright ornamental grass that blooms in late summer and autumn with silky, glossy panicles. Depending on the cultivar, it reaches 1.5 to 2.5 m in height and forms dense, overhanging clumps of narrow, often silver‑striped leaves. In winter the dried culms remain standing, bearing icicles and snow in an impressive way, which is why many gardeners wait until spring to prune. Popular cultivars include ‘Kleine Fontäne’ for smaller beds and ‘Gracillimus’ with very narrow, finely feathered leaves. The plant is bee‑friendly, robust and low‑maintenance once established.
Care instructions
Prune the Chinese silver grass only in early spring, just before new growth begins, usually late February to mid‑March (weeks 8 to 11). Leave the culms standing over winter: they provide structure and shelter for insects. The clump prefers a sunny spot and tolerates drought well once established; in the first one to two years after planting water regularly. Every three to five years you can divide the root ball in spring when the center of the clump thins. A lean to moderately nutrient‑rich soil is sufficient; too much fertilizer makes the culms unstable and they tip more easily.
Soil & site
Soil pH
Soil type
well-drained, nutrient-rich, moist, loamy
Feeding
Medium feeder
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