Miscanthus sinensis Gracillimus (Chinese Silver Grass)

One of the most popular variety of Chinese Silver Grasses, Miscanthus sinensis ‘Gracillimus’ is a spectacular ornamental grass grown for its abundant, purple-flushed, flower plumes on display in late summer.

One of the most popular variety of Chinese Silver Grasses, Miscanthus sinensis 'Gracillimus' is a spectacular ornamental grass grown for its abundant, purple-flushed, flower plumes on display in late summer. They delicately change to silver as they mature and provide excellent winter interest. They rise gracefully, well above an elegant foliage of narrow, arching, green leaves with white midribs. A fabulous focal point in the garden!

  • Easily grows in a lovely, dense fountain-like clump, up to 5-6 ft. tall (150-180 cm) and 3-4 ft. wide (90-120 cm).
  • Performs best in full sun in moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soils. Protect from excessive winter wet. Drought and salt tolerant once established.
  • Very versatile, it can be used as a graceful accent plant in the garden, massed to create screens or hedges, planted in borders, coastal gardens, city gardens, cottage gardens or prairie plantings.
  • This Chinese Silver Grass is generally pest and disease free. It is deer and rabbit resistant but attracts birds.
  • Cut foliage to the ground in late winter before new shoots appear. Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in spring or by division in spring.
  • Native to Asia, the species form of Miscanthus sinensis is invasive in several US states. The invasive potential is of less concern for many of its ornamental cultivars, some of which are sterile. However, as a general rule, do not plant more than one cultivar on your property, and use only a vegetatively propagated cultivar that has shown little or no evidence of self-seeding in your area.
  • Discover beautiful U.S. native plant alternatives.

Requirements

Hardiness 5
– 9

Heat Zones 1
– 9

Climate Zones 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Ornamental Grasses
Plant Family Miscanthus – Maiden Grasses
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Late)FallWinter
Height 5'
– 6'
(150cm
– 180cm)
Spread 3'
– 4'
(90cm
– 120cm)
Spacing 48″
– 60″
(120cm
– 150cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Drought, Rabbit, Dry Soil, Salt
Attracts Birds
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Modern Garden, Prairie and Meadow