Plants
Ornamental Grasses
Miscanthus sinensis · Poaceae (Süßgräser)
Ornamental grasses bring movement and feather-light structure to any garden and to autumnal bouquets. Chinese silver grass impresses with elegantly arching stems and silvery flower plumes that open in late summer and persist well into winter. At Fleura we value the long-lasting plumes as a natural design element that makes an arrangement feel light and alive.
- Light
- Sunny to at most partly shaded; full sun ensures strong stems and abundant flowering.
- Watering
- Even water supply in free-draining soil; established plants tolerate short dry spells, young grasses need regular watering.
- Care level
- Easy
- Botanical
- Miscanthus sinensis
Miscanthus sinensis is the best-known species among ornamental grasses and forms clump-growing tufts with narrow, often finely striped leaves. Depending on the cultivar it reaches heights of around one to over two metres; in late summer the characteristic finger-shaped flower plumes appear, changing from red-brown through copper to silvery-beige and glowing dramatically against the light in autumn.
In floristry it is mainly the flower plumes and stems that are used as airy structural elements. They give autumnal bouquets height and lightness, dry exceptionally well and then hold their shape for months. Even freshly cut, the feathery panicles are a popular contrast to compact blooms such as dahlias, chrysanthemums or hydrangeas.
Quality shows in strong, straight stems, fully developed plumes that have not yet burst open completely, and clean foliage that is not dried brown. When buying at the Veiling Rhein-Maas auction we look for freshly cut material with good standing power, so the plumes neither shed nor collapse prematurely.
Stylistically ornamental grasses are true all-rounders: in a naturalistic, prairie-style bed they combine with perennials such as coneflower, stonecrop and asters, while in a bouquet they harmonise with warm autumn tones and dried flowers. As a specimen in a container or garden, tall cultivars add elegant accents and remain attractive through their winter silhouette right into spring.
Care
- 01A sunny position is ideal; partial shade is tolerated but results in fewer flower plumes and softer stems.
- 02Free-draining, not too dry soil with good water supply; established plants tolerate occasional drought, while young grasses should be watered regularly in the first year.
- 03In the garden, cut the clump back to a hand's width above the ground only in early spring (February/March); the old foliage protects it over winter.
- 04For container culture ensure good drainage and protect the pot from freezing through in winter, for example with fleece or in a sheltered spot.
- 05Hang cut plumes upside down to dry in an airy, shaded place; cut early, before the panicles shed fully.
- 06In a bouquet use fresh water and a clean cut; dried plumes last very long without water and are ideal for lasting arrangements.
Frequently asked
- Are ornamental grasses or Chinese silver grass toxic to cats, dogs or children?
- No, Miscanthus sinensis is considered non-toxic to humans and animals. Rabbits and guinea pigs even like to nibble the grass. Caution is only needed because of the partly sharp-edged leaves, which can cut easily, and when large amounts are swallowed, which may cause stomach upset.
- When are ornamental grasses in season and how long do the plumes last?
- The decorative flower plumes of Chinese silver grass appear from August and are available into November; in the garden they even last as a winter silhouette into spring. Freshly cut they stay attractive for around one to two weeks; dried, they keep their shape and colour for many months.
- How do I care for Chinese silver grass in the garden or in a container?
- Place the grass in the sunniest possible spot in free-draining, well-watered soil. It is winter-hardy and perennial; do not cut the clump back in autumn but only in early spring to a hand's width above the ground, as the old foliage protects the plant over winter. In a container ensure good drainage and protect the pot in winter.
- Which ornamental grass cultivars are suitable for small gardens?
- For smaller spaces or containers, compact and mid-size cultivars such as Miscanthus sinensis „Kleine Fontäne“ or „Morning Light“ are recommended; at around one to one and a half metres they stay much daintier than tall specimen cultivars like „Malepartus“ or „Silberfeder“. Variegated cultivars such as „Zebrinus“ or „Strictus“ add extra structure through their striped foliage.