Miscanthus sinensis Arabesque - Silvergrass

Miscanthus sinensis 'Arabesque' is similar to the cultivar 'Adagio' but with a more upright habit. It is a dense and compact variety of Chinese reed full of elegance. This perennial and hardy grass forms a very dense clump composed of green-silver foliage that plays with the light. It is also particularly floriferous, producing an abundance of thin and feathery spikes in summer, which are pink at first and then become cream-white when mature. 'Arabesque' brings rhythm and solemnity to borders, even during winter, which does not alter its beautiful silhouette. This ornamental grass is ideal for small gardens, perennial borders, or container gardening.

'Arabesque' belongs to the Poaceae family. It is one of the many horticultural forms derived from Miscanthus sinensis, native to East Asia and Oceania. This perennial grass with short rhizomes grows in a non-spreading clump. It is tufted. The habit is both compact and upright, reaching 1.2m (4ft) in height when flowering, with 70cm (28in) for the foliage, and a spread of 60 to 70cm (24 to 28in). The leaves are 10 to 12mm (1in) wide, very long, and flexible. The green leaves are crossed by a silvery vein. Long floral stems emerge from the foliage from August to September to November, in the form of digitate and silky spikes, 20cm (8in) long. They are pale-pink when budding. When fading, they take on a pretty cream-white colour. The plumes are made up of tiny pink flowers that close a little after opening, then open again when mature. They then take on a paler and more feathery appearance.

This eulalia has deciduous foliage, but it remains decorative for a large part of the winter. It is an "herb" that is perfect for the background of large borders to which its strong presence brings structure and a lot of grace. It is suitable for wild gardens and contemplative gardeners. It can be planted among asters, in the company of perennial sunflowers or perpetual daylilies. Watch it grow and expand, playing with the wind and the low autumn light, and bending under rain showers. It also has its place in modern gardens with clean lines, in the company of dwarf bamboo or ferns if the soil is moist. These grasses bring volume and texture to perennial borders, lightening the flowering. In an urban garden, Miscanthus 'Arabesque' will soften concrete structures. Growing it in large containers is also highly recommended, allowing you to furnish a patio or balcony with elegance and sobriety.