Variegated Japanese Silver Grass - Miscanthus sinensis 'Variegatus'

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Genus: 
Miscanthus
Species: 
sinensis
Cultivar: 
Variegatus
Variegated Japanese Silver Grass - Miscanthus sinensis 'Variegatus'
Botanical Name: 

Miscanthus sinensis 'Variegatus'

Common Name: 

Variegated Japanese Silver Grass

Plant Category: 
Perennial
Hardiness Zones: 
Zones 5-8
Exposure: 
Part Sun to Part Shade
Height: 
6-7 Feet
Foliage Color: 
Green
Features: 
  • Deer Resistant
  • Good for Cut Flowers
  • Easy to Grow
  • Good for Containers
  • Good for Hedge or Screen
  • Winter Interest
  • Salt Tolerant

Very attractive, clump-forming ornamental with tall, vertically striped green and white blades. Fall flower plumes are pale pink and excellent for cutting and drying.

Care Instructions and Growing Tips: 

Fertilizer

Ornamental grasses generally require low nutrient levels to grow properly.  A relatively small amount of balanced natural fertilizer in the spring is all they need to grow properly.  Ornamental grasses start growing later than most other plants so fight the urge to jump start them by applying too much fertilizer.  Only give them additional fertilizer if leaves appear yellow and sparse. Do not fertilize ornamental grass with lawn fertilizer as it will cause them to grow too fast and produce weak stems that will fall over.

Water

New plantings should be watered regularly, 2-3 times a week or more if the weather is really hot.  Remember, grasses don’t wilt like other plants do to let you know they are thirsty.  In their second year grasses are fairly self sufficient requiring water during extended dry periods.

For Miscanthus, Panicum, Chasmanthium & Pennisetum:

Tall grasses usually have some ornamental interest in the winter so don’t cut them back until spring.  Their foliage also will protect the crown during the winter.  In spring, before the plant starts to grow, cut dead foliage back to 4-6 inches above the ground.