Miscanthus giganteus

Giant! The adjective is not excessive for the Miscanthus Giganteus which easily reaches a height of 2.5 to 3 m (8 to 10ft) during flowering! This large perennial grass forms a large and erect clump, which requires space but never becomes invasive like many bamboos with which it is sometimes confused.

The upright stems of this miscanthus bear ribbon-like, arching leaves with a slightly bluish pale green color and a silver central vein. The foliage takes on soft tones in autumn, ranging from blond to brown, precious at the end of the season and in winter. After a long and hot summer, the giant eulalia can bloom until autumn in long silver spikes, up to 20 cm (8in) long, but this flowering is rarer than in other eulalias. The long spikes are precious additions to flower and berry bouquets in autumn.

The Miscanthus Giganteus can be planted as a solitary, architectural clump, but is also very valuable for creating a screen at the back of the garden, an effective substitute for a trimmed hedge. To ensure such a presence, the giant eulalia has its requirements. It needs a soil that is not too dry, preferably moist and deep, but not necessarily rich. It can even tolerate poor soil. Once established, it tolerates drought quite well, although its growth is slower then.

 Good to know: eulalias start growing late in spring. After winter, you may have the impression that the clump is dry and will not produce anything anymore, but a little patience and starting from May, this large grass "starts" and regains its imposing stature in a few weeks.