Walters Gardens, Inc. : Plant View - Miscanthus sinensis 'Variegatus'

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Miscanthus sinensis 'Variegatus'

Common Name: Grass-Ornamental
Common Name (Alternative): Striped Eulalia Grass or Japanese Silver Grass

Photo Courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc.

A popular antique variety of Miscanthus, this grass has been used in gardens since 1900. It is still one of the best varieties available for the white foliar effects it projects in the landscape. This grass appears to have a silvery glow from a distance. The leaves are green and white striped, with white being the predominant color. The habit is cascading and mature specimens sometimes need staking. Give this grass plenty of room to grow.

This grass requires a very long, hot growing season to be able to produce flowers. When it does, the plumes appear in early fall and open with strong red tints. As the seeds mature, they become fluffy, and are a great accent to the almond colored winter foliage.

Miscanthus is versatile from a design standpoint; it can be used as a specimen, for massing or screening, in large containers, or at the pond's edge. Plant this grass where its wonderful winter interest can be enjoyed.

Origin: Not Native to North America

Characteristics:

Height:
5-7 Feet

Spread:
3-4 Feet

Flower Color:
Red shades

Foliage Color:
Variegated

Hardiness Zone:
5,6,7,8,9
Find Your Zone

Sun or Shade?:
Full sun (> 6 hrs. direct sun)
Part shade (4-6 hrs. direct sun)

Wet or dry?:
Average water needs
Consistent water needs

Need critter resistant plants?:
Deer resistant

How fast should it grow?:
Medium

When should it bloom?:
Early fall

How's your soil?:
Poor Soil
Average Soil

Sweet or Sour Soil?:
Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0)
Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0)

What's your garden style?:
  Container/Patio
  Rock Garden
  Rain Garden
  Eclectic

Click here to view the Grower Cultural Sheet

Size(s) Offered:

Plugs: 20ct

Attributes:

Border plants
Container
Cut flower or foliage
Dried flower or seed heads
Mass Planting
Specimen or focal point
Easy to grow

Homeowner Growing & Maintenance Tips:

Miscanthus is easy to grow and is a good choice for beginners. It will grow in most any soil, from loose sand to heavy clay, and does not require good drainage. Grow this grass in full sun except in warmer regions where some afternoon shade is best. Fertilization is not necessary.

Divide Miscanthus in spring or early summer to give it time to establish its roots before winter arrives. Only in the mildest of climates should it be divided in the fall.

Companions:

	Common/Botanical Name	Zones
	Sedum 'Autumn Fire' Common Name: Stonecrop-Autumn	3,4,5,6,7,8,9
	*Leucanthemum superbum* 'Aglaia'** Common Name: Shasta Daisy	5,6,7,8,9
	Heliopsis 'Ballerina' Common Name: False Sunflower	3,4,5,6,7,8,9
	*Echinacea purpurea* 'Ruby Star' ('Rubinstern')** Common Name: Coneflower-Purple	3,4,5,6,7,8
	Hibiscus 'Fireball' PP13631 Common Name: Rose Mallow	4,5,6,7,8,9
	Chrysanthemum 'Rhumba' Common Name: Mum-Hardy Garden	5,6,7,8,9
	*Aster dumosus* 'Wood's Pink'** Common Name: Aster-New York	3,4,5,6,7,8
	*Eupatorium dubium* 'Little Joe' PP16122** Common Name: Joe Pye Weed	3,4,5,6,7,8

While every effort has been made to describe this plant accurately, please keep in mind that the height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates throughout the country. The description of this plant was written based on our experience growing it in Michigan (USDA hardiness zone 5) and on numerous outside resources.

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