Miscanthus sacchariflorus

Miscanthus sacchariflorus, also known as Chinese reed or Eulalia, is distinguished by its wide foliage marked with brown and silver throughout its length, and by its flowering forming a silky cascade of feathery and silver spikes with light red reflections, in late summer. It is a generous grass, which should be given some space to develop its foliage, which will ignite early in autumn. Exotic, sculptural, and wild, its strong presence blends with gardens of all styles, integrating with hedgerows, or standing out in large pots on a patio. Just place it in the sun in ordinary soil, which remains moist in summer.

Miscanthus sacchariflorus is a perennial plant of the Poaceae family, native to East Asia, the Soviet Far East, and China, but naturalised in North America. It is hardy down to at least -25°C (-13°F). It forms a strong tuft with a slightly loose habit, reaching 1.6 to 2m (5 to 7ft) in height when flowering, with foliage remaining at 80cm (32in) from the ground, occupying a similar width. Its growth is quite fast in fertile soil, supported by long, thin, scaly rhizomes that allow it to slowly spread. The very decorative glaucous green foliage is traversed by a silver midrib and brown longitudinal lines. It consists of ribbon-like leaves, which are rather wide and flexible. They take on a beautiful coppery to orange hue from the end of summer. Flowering begins in August, emerging well above the foliage at the end of numerous graceful culms. It then elongates in a spectacular manner, reaching 10 to 35cm (4 to 14in) in length, with very silky silver spikes, slightly tinged with coppery red at maturity. This plant undoubtedly offers one of the most beautiful flowers of the miscanthus genus. This grass is not invasive.
 

With the perfect combination of soft silver plumes dancing on the coppery ribbons of its foliage, Miscanthus sacchariflorus attracts all eyes in late summer. It deserves some space to express its full potential at the back of a bed. It can planted en masse to create a large border, or to form a screen using taller varieties like Miscanthus sinensis 'Goliath' at the edge of the garden. This beautiful green screen will enhance flowering shrubs and autumn foliage. Two plants placed face to face can mark a doorway, for example, in an original and natural way. Take advantage of its fountain-like habit to display it on a slightly elevated area, such as a large embankment or incline, combined with the autumn blooms of asters (Aster laevis 'Calliope', Aster turbinellus, Aster cordifolius) or sunflowers (Helianthus maximiliani, Helianthus salicifolius, Helianthus atrorubens). It pairs well with Perovskia and Stipa arundinacea, autumn daisies, Japanese anemones, and perennial chrysanthemums.