Miscanthus sinensis Aperitiv - Silvergrass

Miscanthus sinensis 'Aperitif' is a charming Chinese reed that is not very tall, with a beautifully coloured flowering. It is ideal for small gardens and container cultivation. This new variety, which does not exceed 1m (3ft) in height, forms a clump of long green leaves that come alive with an abundance of beautiful plume-like inflorescences in August-September, changing from pink tinged with red to silver-pink in autumn. They remain decorative until December. Such a presence deserves to be highlighted in borders or in large containers, for its beautiful structure, its beautiful autumn colours, and its graceful habit.

The 'Aperitif' eulalia belongs to the Poaceae family. It is a recent variety derived from Miscanthus sinensis, native to extreme eastern Asia and Oceania. This perennial grass with short rhizomes develops rapidly into a non-invasive, tufted clump. The fountain-like habit is both erect and slightly trailing. It does not exceed 1 to 1.2m (3 to 4ft) in height when flowering (70 to 80cm (28 to 32in) for the foliage), with a relative spread of 50cm (20in). The leaves are thin and ribbon-like, very long, quite flexible, and medium green in colour until summer. They gradually turn burgundy-red in late summer and autumn. The purplish floral stems emerge just above the foliage in late summer, in the form of silky digitate spikes 15 to 20cm (6 to 8in) long, with a colour ranging from old pink to dark red reflections. When withering, they take on a more silvery hue. The plumes consist of tiny flowers that close up a little after opening, and then reopen when mature. They then take on a fluffier appearance.

Among ornamental grasses, miscanthus is probably one of the most beautiful and least invasive. It has been the subject of numerous selections and is the origin of many cultivars. They all share the same upright, regular and arched tufted silhouette, with long leaves with a clear median stripe, which turn a straw-yellow colour in winter. 'Aperitif' is a wonderful perennial that grows on its own once well established, perfect for contemplative or beginner gardeners. King of patios and balconies, it has a place in a modern garden with clean lines, a Japanese garden, or in large ensembles where it will lighten flowering. In winter, it lights up the garden with its reassuring silhouette. In an urban garden, it will awaken and soften concrete structures. Combine this Chinese reed with autumn asters, tall sedums, autumn daisies, or heliopsis, for example.