J C PLANTS LLC	HOMEPAGE
Telford, Pennsylvania	Perennials
Telephone: (267) 371 - 3050	Grasses

Miscanthus sinensis 'Gracillimus'

Common name	Maidengrass
Hardiness Zone	5 - 9
Sun	Full sun - part shade
Soil	moist / rich
Flower color	Copper maturing to silver
Bloom time	August - February
Height	4 to 7 feet
Spread	3 feet

General Culture:
Easily grown in average, medium wet, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Tolerant of a wide range of soils. Prefers moist soils. Best in full sun. Less vigorous with decreased flowering and tendency to flop in too much shade. Tolerant of summer heat and humidity. Clumps slowly expand in circumference by short rhizomes, but retain tight clump shape. Foliage should be left standing throughout the winter for visual interest and to provide protection for the crowns. Cut foliage to the ground in late winter just before new shoots appear.
Noteworthy Characteristics:
Maiden grass is noted for its narrow green leaves with a silver midrib which form a substantial, rounded, arching clump of foliage typically growing 4-6' tall (to 8' when in flower). Foliage turns yellowish after frost, but quickly fades to straw-beige by winter. Tiny reddish-copper flowers appear in tassel-like inflorescences above the foliage in late September, gradually turning into silvery white plumes as the seeds mature. Blooms later than most Miscanthus cultivars. Flower plumes persist well into winter providing good winter interest. 'Gracillimus' is an old and very popular cultivar.
Problems:
No frequently occurring insect or disease problems. In some areas of the U.S., Miscanthus mealybug and Miscanthus blight are becoming significant problems. Miscanthus mealybug causes stunted growth and is difficult to eradicate because it lives inside the stems. Miscanthus blight is a fungal disease which attacks the blades and sheaths.
Uses:
Versatile ornamental grass, but clumps need lots of room. Accent, specimen, grouping, mass or screen. Borders, meadows, wild gardens, cottage gardens, naturalized areas or pond/water garden peripheries.