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About this cultivar:

Miscanthus sinensis ‘Red Chief’ is a clump-forming, deciduous grass with narrow, arching leaves which turn yellow in autumn, fading to pale brown in winter. Feathery flower panicles open deep maroon red in late summer and early autumn, fading to silver and remaining on the plant over winter creating a wonderful effect.

• Position: Full sun, partial shade
• Soil: Almost any soil, grows well in Ballyrobert
• Flowers: July, August, September
• Other features: –
• Hardiness: H6 – Hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15C), Fully hardy, grows well in Ballyrobert
• Habit: Clump forming, Tufted
• Foliage: Semi evergreen
• Height: 120 – 150 cm (4 – 5 ft)
• Spread: 75 – 100 cm (3.5 – 4 ft)
• Time to full growth: 2 to 5 years
• Plant type: Herbaceous Perennial, Grass like
• Colour: Green, yellow, white, red
• Goes well with: Helianthus, Echinacea, Coreopsis or Sedum

About this genus:

Miscanthus gets it name from the Greek for stem, miskos, and flower, anthos. It is commonly known as Maiden Grass. It is renowned for its versatility as a tall, perennial, ornamental grass. New introductions from Germany and Japan have improved stature, foliage colour, and flower heads.

Many of the popular hybrid Miscanthus are variegated (e.g., Miscanthus ‘Morning Light’) and many Maiden grasses also have attractive seed heads. Variegated ornamental grasses offer a colour contrast in the garden as well as a pleasing habit.

A few selections of Miscanthus sinensis are controversial because they re-seed excessively, primarily in disturbed sites. We continually discard any Miscanthus that displays this tendency.

Try pairing Miscanthus with flowering plants such as Helianthus, Echinacea, Coreopsis or Sedum. Mainden Grass also looks great in large drifts where the leaves and flower heads can be seen swaying in the wind. It is a tough, low maintenance plant which makes it perfect for wet or dry gardens in any situation apart from full shade. Miscanthus is versatile from a design standpoint; it can be used as a specimen, for massing or screening, in large containers, or at the pond’s edge. I say plant this grass where its wonderful winter interest can be enjoyed!