J C PLANTS LLCHOMEPAGE
Telford, PennsylvaniaPerennials
Telephone: (267) 371 - 3050 Grasses

Miscanthus sinensis 'Variegatus'
Common name   Variegated silver grass
Hardiness Zone   5 - 9
Sun   Full sun - part shade
Soil   moist / rich
Flower color   Reddish-brown
Bloom time   August - February
Height   5 - 6 feet
Spread   4 feet
General Culture:
Easily grown in average, medium wet, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Tolerant of a wide range of soils. Prefers moist soils. Best in full sun. Less vigorous with decreased flowering and tendency to flop in too much shade. Tolerant of summer heat and humidity. Clumps slowly expand in circumference by short rhizomes, but retain tight clump shape. Foliage should be left standing throughout the winter for visual interest and to provide protection for the crowns. Cut foliage to the ground in late winter just before new shoots appear. 'Variegatus' is a substantial grass which tends to flop more than most other Miscanthus cultivars, and generally needs staking. Clumps can easily collapse in winter from the weight of heavy snow.

Noteworthy Characteristics:
'Variegatus' is a variegated eulalia grass cultivar which typically grows in an arching, rounded clump to 5-6' tall (flower plumes can increase height to as much as 7- 9' tall). Features leaf blades variegated with green and white stripes, with white being the predominant color from a distance. Foliage fades to tan after frost. Tiny reddish flowers appear in September, gradually turning into silvery plumes in fall as the seeds mature. Plumes persist well into winter providing good winter interest. Good deer resistance.
Problems:
No frequently occurring insect or disease problems. In some areas of the U.S., Miscanthus mealybug and Miscanthus blight are becoming significant problems. Miscanthus mealybug causes stunted growth and is difficult to eradicate because it lives inside the stems. Miscanthus blight is a fungal disease which attacks the blades and sheaths.
Uses:
Versatile ornamental grass. Accent, specimen, grouping, mass or screen. Borders, meadows, wild gardens, cottage gardens, naturalized areas.