Ornamental grassesMiscanthus sinensis
Chinese Silver Grass
Chinese Silver Grass is a striking ornamental grass that adds structure to any garden with its tall plumes and gracefully arching leaves. Silvery-white plumes appear from August to October and catch the autumn and winter light beautifully. The dried grass remains attractive throughout winter.
Characteristics
- Sun
- Full sun
- Water
- Medium
- Height
- 150–250 cm
- Spread
- 80–120 cm
- Hardiness zone
- 5–9
- Family
- Poaceae
- Evergreen
- No
- Flower colors
- silver, beige
- Wildlife value
- birds, insects
Bloom period
Care guide
Plant in full sun in moist but well-drained soil. Water regularly in the first year; after that, rainfall is usually sufficient. No fertilizer needed. Leave the grass standing through winter — it provides shelter for insects and birds.
Pruning tips
Cut the grass back completely to 15-20 cm above ground in February or early March, before the new shoots emerge. Use hedge shears or a powered trimmer. Wear gloves — the leaf edges are sharp.
Good companions
PerennialsEchinacea purpurea
Purple Coneflower
Purple Coneflower is a sturdy perennial with distinctive pink-purple petals surrounding an orange-brown cone. The flowers appear from July to September and are a magnet for butterflies and bees. In autumn and winter, the seed heads attract goldfinches and other seed-eating birds.
PerennialsSalvia nemorosa
Woodland Sage
Woodland Sage is a compact perennial with striking purple-blue flower spikes blooming from June to August. It attracts plenty of bees and butterflies and works well in sunny borders. Cutting back spent flower stems often triggers a second flush of blooms.
PerennialsNepeta × faassenii
Catmint
Catmint is a tough border plant with grey-green, aromatic foliage and soft blue flower plumes. It blooms from May to September, making it one of the longest-flowering perennials. Bees love the flowers and cats are drawn to the leaves.