• Tall green grasses in a garden setting with blurred background
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Miscanthus Sinensis

Miscanthus Sinensis

Chinese silver grass, Japanese silver grass, maiden grass

$15.00
$15.00
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Taxes included.
Pot Size/Grade

Miscanthus sinensis is a beautiful clump-forming ornamental grass grown for height, movement and soft architectural structure in the garden. Also known as Chinese silver grass, it produces tall arching foliage with airy flower plumes from late summer into autumn, giving the garden that relaxed, natural “yes, I definitely planned this” look.

This is a brilliant plant for adding texture without making the garden feel heavy. Miscanthus works beautifully as a feature grass, repeated through borders, planted in groups for impact, or used as a soft seasonal screen. It brings movement in the wind, golden autumn tones, and winter structure before being cut back for fresh new growth in spring.

Spacing:
Allow room for the clump to mature. Depending on the variety and how you want to use it, space plants around 1–1.5m apart for mass planting or screening. Give larger forms more room if you want them to show off properly.

Best uses:
Great for ornamental grass borders, screening, driveway planting, mass planting, modern landscapes, prairie-style planting, poolside gardens, large pots, and softening fences or hard landscaping.

  • Expected 5 Year Height M Width M

Is Miscanthus Sinensis suitable for my garden?

Miscanthus Sinensis is best suited in a position that gets

Miscanthus Sinensis is

  • Cold hardy
  • Disease resistant
  • Frost Tolerant

Miscanthus Sinensis will thrive in soil that is

How to establish your Miscanthus Sinensis?

Position:
Plant Miscanthus sinensis in full sun for best growth, strongest stems and the best flowering. It can tolerate some light shade, but too much shade may make it softer, floppier and less impressive.

Soil:
Best in free-draining soil. Miscanthus is fairly adaptable once established, but it will not thank you for being planted in permanently wet, boggy ground. If your soil is heavy, improve drainage before planting.

Watering:
Water regularly while establishing, especially during the first summer. Once established, Miscanthus can tolerate dry periods, although occasional deep watering in very dry spells will keep it looking better. The Plant Store also notes Miscanthus prefers well-drained soil and full sun, with some tolerance of drought once established.

Feeding:
Feed in spring with a general garden fertiliser or slow-release fertiliser to support strong new growth. Avoid overfeeding, as too much rich growth can make tall grasses more likely to flop.

How to maintain your Miscanthus Sinensis once established?

Miscanthus sinensis is low-maintenance, but it does need one proper haircut each year. Leave the old foliage and flower heads standing through winter if you like the structure, then cut the whole clump back before the new spring growth gets going.

In New Zealand conditions, late winter to early spring is usually the best time to cut Miscanthus back. The Plant Store recommends cutting brown stems back to around 5–10cm above ground in winter, while RHS guidance also recommends late pruning for Miscanthus before new shoots emerge.

Use sharp secateurs, hedge shears or loppers, and wear gloves — the foliage can be a bit slicey. For larger clumps, tie the old growth together first, then cut it back. This makes clean-up much easier and stops you ending up in a wrestling match with a dead grass octopus.

If the clump gets too large or starts dying out in the centre, divide it in early spring. Replant the healthiest outer sections and either compost the tired centre or give it a stern talking to before removing it.
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