Miscanthus xgiganteus (aka floridulus)
Giant
Miscanthus (Zone 4)
Contrary to what the species name might suggest, this is in fact a hardy maiden grass that as its common name correctly
suggests does get quite large. It is a somewhat coarse clump forming grass that can grow to 14’. The flowers are not as showy as
some of the other maiden grasses, but the foliage does turn a nice purplish-red in fall. Best if used as a screen or in large
containers and will add a tropical feel to any garden!
..............Not
available for 2009.
Miscanthus
Purpurascens
Flame Grass (Zone 5)
As its’ common name suggests, this grass has wonderful coloration. Light green
foliage turns a beautiful reddish-orange with the onset of cooler fall
temperatures. Magenta blooms turn to white as they age. Plants reach 4’ tall
when in flower and prefer dry conditions in full sun.
...............Available
in IMPACT container only.
Miscanthus sinensis ’Adagio’
Dwarf
Maiden Grass (Zone 5)
A Kurt Bluemel selection with narrow, silver-green foliage that grows 4' tall. The flowers open pinkish-silver in August and
mature to a nice creamy white. Plant in full sun and a moist rich garden soil.
...............Available
in 1-Quart and IMPACT containers.
Miscanthus sinensis 'Gold Bar' (PP15193)
Maiden Grass (Zone 5)
A showy new selection from Joy Creek Nursery. This slow grower has bright-green
foliage that is heavily banded with creamy-yellow stripes from the base of the
plant to the tips of the leaves. In fall, burgundy flowers appear just above the
foliage. Slowly grows to a mature height ranging from 3-5' in full sun and a
moist but well-drained soil.
...............Available in
1-Quart and IMPACT containers.
Miscanthus sinensis ’Gracillimus’
Maiden
Grass (Zone 5)
Reliably hardy in
zone 5, Maiden grass grows 5-6' with narrow green foliage with a silver center stripe. The copper colored flowers appear in
September and mature to a nice silvery color that persists into winter. Plant in full sun and a rich garden soil. Great in masses
and screens!
...............Available in
IMPACT and 2-Gallon containers.
Miscanthus
sinensis 'Huron Blush'
Maiden Grass (Zone 4)
This shorter, clump forming variety is
a great addition for any garden. It produces upright wide green leaves with a
narrow white midrib. In late summer a profusion of beautiful creamy-tan to
blush-pink seed heads appear. Plants reach 4-5' tall and keeps great form going
into the cool season giving it great winter interest.
..............Not
available for 2009.
Miscanthus
sinensis 'Huron Sentinel'
Maiden Grass (Zone 4)
This tall, upright, arching selection
grows to about 5’. It has wide green leaves with a narrow white midrib. The real
eye catcher is the beautiful, fluffy, fawn-colored seed heads that has a texture
similar to chenille. These seed heads give this plant tremendous winter
interest!
..............Not
available for 2009.
Miscanthus sinensis ‘Little Kitten’
Dwarf Maiden Grass (Zone 5)
'Little Kitten' is a beautiful dwarf
selection growing to only 2’. The fine green foliage grows in a tight compact
mound. The shorter habit makes it more easily used in a variety of confined
garden situations. Because of its' small stature it does not flop or open up.
Fan shaped plumes are produced in August and reach about 3’. Prefers full sun
with drier soils. As with most other ornamental grasses with showy plumes, these
plants should be cut back in early spring so their form can add interest to the
winter garden.
...............Available in
1-Quart and IMPACT containers.
Miscanthus sinensis ‘Little Zebra’ (PP13008)
Maiden Grass (Zone
5)
In our continuing search for good new plants we have come upon this new
selection with at least three desirable traits. First it flowers late so that
spread from seed should not be a problem. Second, the yellow banding remains
attractive (visible) all season on the narrow, dark green leaves. Third, it is a dwarf selection growing to only
40” tall so flop should not be a problem either. Its flowers that appear in
Late-season are reddish purple and useful in many garden settings.
...............Available in
1-Quart and IMPACT
containers.
Miscanthus sinensis ’Morning Light’
Japanese
Silver Grass (Zone 5)
A variegated selection that has an overall finely textured, silver-gray appearance. The flowers are bronze colored when
opening in Mid-season and mature to gray and persist into winter. 'Morning Light' grows 4-5' tall in full sun and a moist garden
soil.
...............Available in
IMPACT and
2-Gallon containers.
Miscanthus sinensis ’Variegatus’
Maiden Grass (Zone
5)
An old selection but still one of the best. Wide white striped foliage forms open clumps that grow 4-5’. The typical
Miscanthus flowers appear in August 1-2' above the foliage. Because of the foliage it is best to place this cultivar in a
part-shade area to prevent leaf scorch. In fall, the foliage turns a nice shade of tan and adds additional interest to the garden.
...............Available in IMPACT and
2-Gallon containers.
Miscanthus sinensis ‘Yaku Jima’
Maiden Grass (Zone
5)
‘Yaku Jima’ was one of the first dwarf Miscanthus cultivars introduced into
the trade. Growing to only 3’, this is a warm season grass with medium green
foliage and silvery flower plumes that appear in August. In late fall the flower
plumes turn a tan color and persist into winter. As with most other ornamental
grasses, do not prune back until early spring to fully appreciate their winter
interest. Requires full sun, and average well-drained soil.
...............Available in IMPACT container only.
Muhlenbergia capillaris
Pink
Muhly Grass (Zone 6)
This native warm season grass has upright blue-green foliage with amazing
pink plumes in late summer! Pink muhly grass reaches 2-3’ tall and can be quite
striking when planted in mass. Plants prefer full sun and sandy soils but will
tolerate part shade.
..............Available
in 1-Quart only.