Miscanthus sinensis 'Morning Light' - Variegated Maiden Grass - Photo courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc.
ZONE:
5
COLOUR:
Red
HEIGHT:
90-150 cm
SPREAD:
80-100 cm
Plants should be divided, in the spring, every few years, to maintain freshness. Foliage can be left standing all winter, however, it should be pruned early to mid-spring to make way for new growth.
Note: This grass may not flower in our region as it needs long, hot summers to produce abundant blooms.
Warning: Although individual Miscanthus cultivars are reputedly sterile, two cultivars can sometimes cross-pollinate, and produce viable seed, becoming invasive in several states, and in Southern Ontario. (pers obs.)
Recommendation: plant only one cultivar, and if there are other Miscanthus in the neighbourhood, consider a native or nativar substitute.
Warm Season Grasses: These grasses are much slower starting in the spring. They do not push new growth until temperatures warm in early to midsummer. They flower later in the summer or fall with most blooms remaining into the winter. Most warm season grasses tolerate heat, humidity and drought; some even thrive in these conditions. Conversely, extra care should be taken when planting in early spring or late fall.
While ‘Morning Light’ is supposedly sterile, studies have shown that it can produce some viable seeds. (Fine Gardening magazine.)
Consider Panicum spp or Schizachyrium spp as potential alternatives.
